Obituary

Saudi history maker Al-Ghamdi passes away in car accident

By United World Wrestling Press

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (March 8) --- It is with great sorrow that United World Wrestling has learned of the passing passes of Abdul Aziz Fahd AL-GHAMDI (SKA), a prominent athlete of the Saudi National Wrestling team, who was killed in a tragic traffic accident.

Al-Ghamdi, at 19, showcased his exceptional talent and unwavering determination on the wrestling mat, winning a gold medal at the 2022 U17 Arab Championships. However, his most remarkable career feat came in 2019 when he clinched a bronze medal at the U15 Asian Championship, becoming Saudi Arabia’s first-ever Asian medalist in wrestling.

His absence will leave a void in the wrestling world—especially in the Saudi wrestling community. United World Wrestling offers its condolences to Abdul Aziz Fahd Al-Ghamdi's family, friends, teammates, and all those whose lives he touched.

Obituary

Former UWW Vice President Oktay passes away

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (March 27) -- Former United World Wrestling Vice President Kemal OKTAY (TUR) died on Tuesday at the age of 80 years after a prolonged illness.

Oktay, who became the UWW Vice President in 1985, was born in Istanbul in 1944. He remained in that position till 1998 and contributed to benefit wrestling.

A sports enthusiast, Oktay took an interest in wrestling after his son Ali won medals in age-group competitions. Ali has won medals at the age-group European and World Championships.

A recent surgery plus his deteriorating health had kept Oktay away from wrestling.

United World Wrestling expresses its deepest condolences to the Oktay family.