It was the first time that the sport was included in the Olympic program; it would become an official sport twelve years later at the 2000 Games. A total of 120 men and 62 women from 35 nations competed in eight weight classes.
For the first time, the sport was featured in the Olympic program; it would be officially recognized a decade later at the 2000 Games. In total, 120 male and 62 female athletes from 35 countries took part in eight distinct weight classes.