Obituary

Malta Wrestling Federation Founder Bonello Passes Away

Tuesday, September 4, 2018 - 12:38 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 4) -- Simon A. Bonello, former president and founder of the Malta Wrestling Federation, passed away on Monday. He was 85. 

Bonello introduced freestyle wrestling to Malta in 1967, which led to the creation of the federation in late 1969. A year later the federation became fully affiliated with the International Federation.

He served as an official of the Maltese Olympic Committee for 25 years, vice president for four years, and was an established referee. Bonello was one of Malta's longest serving presidents of a national association.

Bonello also worked to promote wrestling outside of his home country. His organization hosted international wrestling tournaments between 1993 and 2004 involving European small states and autonomous regions. 

During the 1970s, Bonello also served as president of the Weightlifting Federation, Bodybuilding Association and Chess Federation. He spent time working as a journalist and was vice president of the Sports Journalists Association.
 

#WrestleTirana

Reactions to Kayaalp's 13th European Title

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 - 14:56 By United World Wrestling Press

Share this article

TIRANA, Albania (April 22) -- The moment Riza KAYAALP (TUR) won the 13th European Championships gold medal in Tirana on Tuesday, it sent Turkiye into a frenzy.

From Turkish President Recep ERDOGAN to other political personalities, the historic moment saw reactions from all quarters.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kayaalp broke Aleksandr KARELIN's record of 12 gold medal at the European Championships by winning his 13th.