Obituary

Hall of Fame Wrestling Referee Iván Kruj Passes Away

By United World Wrestling Press

Hall of Fame wrestling referee Iván KRUJ has passed away at the age of 87.

Kruj, a native of Hungary, served as a wrestling official at nine Olympics from 1972 to 2004. He concluded his 35-year refereeing career at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He also served as a national freestyle coach.  

In 2009, Kruj was inducted into the International Wrestling Hall of Fame. 
 

United World Wrestling Statement on Iranian Wrestlers

By United World Wrestling Press

CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (February 27) -- United World Wrestling recognizes that global conflicts and political tensions deeply impact sport, and wrestling in particular. While UWW’s ability to directly influence national or international affairs is limited, the organization remains firmly committed to supporting wrestlers and advocating for their protection wherever possible, including through sport diplomacy and engagement with the broader wrestling and Olympic community.

UWW has activated its contacts within the sports movement following the recent events in Iran. The organization has received reports from various sources, though their full accuracy is difficult to verify.

Reports suggest that some situations may have been resolved in the meantime, but wrestler Saleh Mohammadi remains at risk of a capital sentence in Iran. UWW calls for a fair, transparent, and impartial trial, conducted in full respect of fundamental rights, and reaffirms its opposition to the death penalty in all circumstances.

United World Wrestling continues to closely monitor the situation while mourning all the victims affected by this tragedy.