Statement

Statement from Wrestling President Lalovic on Terrorist Attack in Kabul

Thursday, September 6, 2018 - 19:54 By United World Wrestling Press

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CORSIER-SUR-VEVEY, Switzerland (September 6) – Statement from United World Wrestling President and International Olympic Committee Executive Board member Nenad LALOVIC following news of Wednesday’s terrorist attacks at a wrestling tournament in Kabul.

United World Wrestling and the worldwide wrestling family are shocked and saddened to learn of Wednesday’s violent attack on innocent wrestlers during a competition in Kabul. We have been in touch with the Afghanistan Wrestling Federation and has offered them any support they require in this time of need.

Wrestling competitions are a place for our young athletes to feel safe as they test their skills, form friendships and learn important lessons about teamwork. Wednesday’s attack looks to shake our confidence, but we stand together with all wrestlers around the world in condemning this barbaric act of cowardice. 

United World Wrestling sends its deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died in this senseless attack.

Obituary

Habibi, Iran's first Olympic champion, dies aged 94

Monday, August 25, 2025 - 09:42 By United World Wrestling Press

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TEHRAN, Iran (August 24) -- Emamali HABIBI (IRI), Iran's first-ever Olympic gold medalist and United World Wrestling Hall of Fame member, passed away Sunday aged 94.

Habibi was born Babol in 1931 and won the first Olympic gold medal for Iran in 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games. Facing Alimbeg BESTAEV in the final round to decide the gold medalist, Habibi secured a fall in the 67kg final and etched his name in history, became first Olympic champion for Iran.

It was a rare feat in those times as he had never wrestled at an international event before the Olympics. He would make his World Championships debut in 1959, winning gold medal at 73kg. He defended his title in 1961 and added a third gold medal in 1962 at 78kg.

Emamali HABIBI (IRI)Emamali HABIBI (IRI) with his World Championships gold medal.

He participated in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome at 73kg and finished fourth. Habibi also has a gold medal at the 1958 Asian Games, held in Tokyo, Japan.

Habibi's legacy also includes his diverse wrestling techniques and speed on the mat which allowed him to win bouts with domination. He is widely considered one of the greatest freestyle wrestlers of his times. He was included in the UWW Hall of Fame in 2007 for his contribution to wrestling.

UWW offers its condolences to Iran Wrestling Federation and the Habibi family.