New Olympic-style mat for the MAWF

In a few weeks time, the Malta Amateur Wrestling Federation (MAWF) will be receiving a brand new mat.

The mat has been made available by the the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles (FILA) in recognition of the MAWF's work in promoting the sport by virtue of its organisation of international events in Malta.

The highlight of the MAWF's international calendar is the Championships for Small Countries with a population below five million which this year reaches its 11th edition.

The Maltese federation has been praised many times for its work in the international field by former international president Milan Ercegan as well as in the international federation's bulletin. Lately, the MAWF also received words of praise from current FILA president Raphael Martinetti who approved the donation of this mat.

The mat is an Olympic TL Wrestling Model 12x12m, manufactured by Foeldeak of Germany.

It will be used for the first time in November during two international events, namely the Championship for Small Countries and the Malta Open Championhship, that will run concurrently at the Conference Hall at the Corinthia Jerma Palace Hotel in Marsascala.

A number of national teams from top countries in wrestling like Russia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Ukraine and Germany have been invited to take part in the Malta Open.

These two events should make up for the lack of participation in international tournaments by Maltese wrestlers.

In March, Malta had to take part in the famous Trofeo Milone which after many years returned to Palermo, but had to withdraw from this competition as it clashed with the EU referendum on March 8.

The same happened the following month as the Grand Prix of Madrid in Spain coincided with the general election.

Maltese wrestlers were also supposed to take part in an event to be held in Larnaca, Cyprus but was called off by the organisers due to the war in Iraq.

To make matters worse for local wrestlers, the outbreak of SARS has also forced the MAWF to pull out of the Commonwealth Championships and Canada Cup in Ontario.