World champion in Greco-Roman wrestling Mikheil Saladze has died at the age of 72.

The Georgian Aquatics Federation extends its condolences to the family of the deceased.

“We express deep sorrow over the death of Georgian sport legend, World champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, Mikheil Saladze. We extend our condolences to his family and sports society,” reads the condolence letter.

Mikheil Saladze won the World Cup in 1981 and became the best wrestler of the championship. He was a three-time World Universiade champion in 1973, 1977, and 1982.

In 1981, Saladze became an Honoured Master of Sports of the Soviet Union in Greco-Roman wrestling. Mikheil Saladze was a two-time recipient of the Order of Honour and a Cavalier of the third degree Vakhtang Gorgasali Order.