Obituary

Japan legend Hanahara passes away at 84

Friday, February 9, 2024 - 18:39 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 9) -- United World Wrestling and the Japanese Wrestling Federation, with heavy hearts, announce the passing of Mr. Tsutomu HANAHARA, a revered Olympic champion who etched his name in history through his extraordinary feats in the realm of Greco-Roman wrestling.

Mr. Hanahara, at the age of 84, passed away February 5th, 2024, at approximately 23:00, succumbing to illness.

Mr. Hanahara's crowning achievement came at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, where he captured the hearts of a nation by defeating Angel KERESOV (BUL), clinching the 52kg Greco-Roman gold medal.

Following his career on the mat, Mr. Hanahara continued to shape the landscape of Greco-Roman wrestling in Japan, assuming the role as Chairman of the Strengthening Committee of the Japanese Wrestling Federation. His leadership was instrumental in propelling the Japanese wrestling team to new heights, notably steering them at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games.

As a coach, Mr. Hanahara led his alma mater, Nippon Sports Science University, to 18 consecutive East Japan Student League Championships, spanning from 1979 to 1996.

Mr. Hanahara's passion for wrestling carried over to his son and grandson. His son, Daisuke HANAHARA (JPN), finished in 11th place at the 1992 Olympic Games, where he competed in the 57kg Greco-Roman bracket. Furthermore, his grandson, Hiroto HANAHARA (JPN), clinched a 57kg freestyle bronze medal at the 2023 U15 Asian Championships.

UWW and the Japan Wrestling Federation mourn the passing Mr. Hanahara and express our deepest sympathies to the Hanahara family.

Obituary

Former Bureau Member and Hall of Fame Inductee Mario Saletnig, Passes Away

Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - 14:37 By Wrestling Canada

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Mario Saletnig an advocate for the sport of wrestling, as both an official and administrator in Canada and internationally, has died.

He served as President of the Canadian Officials Association, and was a referee at four Olympic Games and 25 World Championships, as well as other numerous Continental Championships and Games.

In addition to his work as a referee, Mr. Saletnig was elected to the FILA (now United World Wrestling) Bureau in 1986, became a FILA instructor for 23 years, and served as FILA Vice President from 2000 to 2010.

Mr. Saletnig was President of Wrestling Canada Lutte and served as a Chef de Mission for the Canadian Commonwealth Games Association at the 1986 Commonwealth Games. He was Wrestling Canada’s Vice President, International from 1986 to 2010.

In 1999, Mario Saletnig was inducted to the Wrestling Canada Hall of Fame in the Builder Category, and in 2012 he was named to the FILA Hall of Fame.

Mr. Saletnig also served on the Executive Committee of the Pan-American Wrestling Association for 15 years. His involvement in international wrestling spanned over forty years as an official and administrator.

“Mario was an integral part of the wrestling community here in Canada and globally”, said Don Ryan, President of WCL. “His contributions to the sport were many and significant. We offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to his family and friends during this time”.

via Wrestling Canada