Repechage, a French word which means 'rescuing', is a format in which participants who have been eliminated in the early stages of the competition are given a fair chance to bounce back and make it to the podium. Every wrestler who has been defeated by the two eventual finalists during the knockouts, is allowed to participate. Malik got a new lease of life when her Russian conqueror Koblova reached the final, paving way for Malik to compete in the repechage round.
Basically, the system eliminates the possibility of a top competitor bowing out in the early round by losing against another leading player while allowing the loser a chance to compete for the bronze medal. The competitors who had lost to the finalists eventually fight it out for the bronze. There are two bronze medals up for grabs.
Sports where repechage are allowed
1. Karate
2. Judo
3. Taekwondo
4. wrestling tournaments
