Wrestling New Zealand says the recent inclusion of women in the sport has given it a good future.
The two-day national wrestling championships being held in Dunedin finish on Saturday.
Eighty-nine contestants competed for medals and the chance to qualify for future Commonwealth and Olympic games.
The ancient sport was to be dropped from the Olympics from 2020 but won back its place last week.
Wrestling New Zealand president Andy Roche says one of the reasons was the sport's recent inclusion of women, which began three years ago.
Mr Roche says including women has hugely grown the sport's profile.
A scene from the New Zealand wrestling championships. Photo: RNZ
