3-time Olympic wrestling champion Buvaisar Saitiev dies at 49
The Russian Wrestling Federation (RWF) President Mikhail Mamiashvili expressed shock at the news, stating, 'They called me just ten minutes ago to inform me of this tragedy. It's hard to believe. We were supposed to fly together tomorrow.'
Saitiev, widely regarded as one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers in history, won Olympic gold in the 74 kg category at the 1996, 2004, and 2008 Games. He was also a six-time world and European champion. Recognised for his contributions to the sport, he received several prestigious Russian honours, including the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, the Order of Honor, and the Order of Friendship.
Following his retirement in 2009, Saitiev transitioned into politics, serving as a member of the State Duma. His influence extended beyond the wrestling mat, shaping Russia's sporting landscape for years.
The news of his passing has drawn tributes from across the combat sports world. Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo credited Saitiev as a major influence on his wrestling career, writing, 'Rest in peace, my hero, my legend, and my great friend.'
MMA icon Khabib Nurmagomedov also paid tribute, posting a picture with Saitiev and writing, 'You inspired millions of children around the world and we will miss you.' UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev echoed the sentiment, calling him a 'legend' and offering condolences to his family.
Saitiev's legacy in freestyle wrestling remains unparalleled, and his passing marks a significant loss for the sport.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
17 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Qatar bids to host 2036 Olympic Games
DOHA: Doha is bidding host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games, authorities said on Tuesday, as the wealthy Gulf state sets its sights on yet another major sport event to diversify its energy-reliant economy. One of the smallest and wealthiest states in the Gulf, Qatar had already hosted the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Should it be chosen, Qatar would become the first country in the Middle East and North Africa to host the Olympic Games, said Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. 'The official bid submitted by the Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC) to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games represents a new milestone in Qatar's journey,' he said in a statement shared on the official Qatar News Agency. India's 2036 Games bid a chance to boost infrastructure, says sports governance expert 'The bid builds on Qatar's proven track record of successfully hosting major international sporting events, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,' Sheikh Mohammed added. Amnesty International and other rights groups claimed thousands of migrant workers died in the lead-up to the 2022 tournament, though Doha has said only 37 workers on World Cup projects perished – and only three in work-related accidents. President of the Qatar Olympic Committee Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani said Doha had ' made sport a central pillar of our national strategy'. 'We currently have 95 percent of the required sports infrastructure in place to host the Games, and we have a comprehensive national plan to ensure 100 percent readiness of all facilities,' he said. Countries are no longer required to make their Olympic bids public. The Games are meant to rotate continents every season. With the 2024, 2028, and 2032 editions set for Europe, North America, and Oceania, there are high chances the 2036 Olympic Games will be held in Asia – or in Africa, which would be a first. Choosing the next host of the games will be the first major project for the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) new president Kirsty Coventry, who last month became the first woman to lead the body.
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Express Tribune
The rising journey of Sheraz Malik, hockey talent from Karachi making waves abroad
Listen to article In Pakistan, sports have long been a source of national pride. From Olympic podiums to packed stadiums, the country once celebrated remarkable achievements in hockey, squash, wrestling, and cricket. However, today, countless athletes find themselves overlooked as mismanagement, favouritism, and a lack of merit-based opportunities dim the dreams of rising talent. Among these athletes is Muhammad Sheraz Malik, a passionate and skilled hockey player born in Karachi. Rather than giving up, Malik chose to carry his dedication across borders and build a future where his efforts could be recognised. His journey from school tournaments in Pakistan to competitive leagues in Australia and New Zealand reflects both resilience and ambition. He began his hockey journey at Habib Public School, a name deeply connected to Pakistan's field hockey legacy. The school has produced several national icons, including Sohail Abbas, Qamar Ibrahim, Kamran Ashraf, and Abbas Haider. Inspired by these legends, Malik picked up a hockey stick with determination and joined his house team. By Grade 5, he had already captained the side to a runner-up finish and was named Best Player of the Tournament. Under the guidance of Sir Shakir, who also coached Sohail Abbas, Malik developed strong fundamentals. He remained a regular player for the school team, representing Habib Public from Grade 6 to Grade 11 in various inter-school hockey tournaments. His international exposure began early. In 2016, he travelled to Malaysia to participate in the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tournament in Ipoh, representing his school on an international stage. In 2018, he again represented his school at the International Hockey Carnival held in Kandy, Sri Lanka. After completing school, Malik joined the National Hockey Club of Pakistan, one of the country's most respected hockey institutions. He actively competed in Karachi's local hockey circuit, representing the club in numerous inter-club, inter-division, and national-level tournaments. These matches helped him mature as a player and gain valuable experience in Pakistan's senior competitive scene. He also served as sports captain of Habib Public School (2018–2019), captain of Alpha College's hockey team, and vice captain of the Institute of Business Management hockey team, representing the institute in the All Pakistan Inter-University Championships. With limited prospects for growth in Pakistan, Malik moved to Australia, where he continued to impress the hockey community. In 2023, he joined the Sydney Lions Hockey Club, playing in the Sydney Hockey League and earning the title of Best Emerging Player of the Season. He went on to compete in the International Melbourne Hockey Cup 2023, the New Zealand Sikh Games 2023, where his team won Gold, and the Annual King's Birthday NZIHC Tournament, representing the Bay of Plenty Sports Club. He also participated in the Sydney Premier Hockey League 2024, playing for the UTS Hockey Club. Malik's international achievements also include participating in a cultural tournament in Australia as part of the Pakistan Wolves, a team that competed against squads representing various nations. The Pakistan Wolves clinched Gold, further adding to his growing list of international accomplishments. Now based in Australia, Malik continues to pursue excellence in field hockey, aiming to grow his career further with top-tier clubs and represent the sport at higher levels. His combination of local experience, international exposure, and unwavering dedication makes him an asset to any team. For Malik, hockey has never just been a sport. It is a lifelong passion, a purpose, and a journey. From the school grounds of Karachi to stadiums in Australia and New Zealand, his story continues, and the best chapters are still to come.
Business Recorder
2 days ago
- Business Recorder
Injured Haughey pulls out of world championships in Singapore
Defending women's 200 metres freestyle champion Siobhan Haughey said on Monday she has withdrawn from the world championships in Singapore due to a back injury. Haughey, a four-time Olympic medallist, became Hong Kong's first swimming world champion with her 200 win at Doha in 2024. 'I have pulled out of the world championships in Singapore due to an ongoing back injury,' the 27-year-old said on social media. 'I'm sad to miss out on the opportunity to compete against the best in the world, but right now I have to do what's best for me. 'As elite athletes, we're trained to push through the pain and fatigue to keep going. Yet at certain moments, the brave and hard thing to do is to take care of your body and wait patiently.' The swimming events at the world championships take place in Singapore from July 27 to August 3.
