The Maltese Amateur Wrestling Federation was introduced in the year 1967, by Comm. Simon A. Bonello K.M. when he got a number of youths which were interested in taking part in the sport. During the same year the first club under the name E.K.L. Gudja was formed. Than two years later the “Federation Maltija Lotta” was founded by the same Mr. Bonello. The first general meeting was held on the same Foundation day, 15th December 1969, at the Anglo-Maltese League Club in Valetta.
In 1970 the newly born Maltese Federation was accepted by the International Amateur Wrestling Federation. Then 15 years late the Malta Amateur Wrestling Federation became the proud founder member of the Commonwealth Amateur Wrestling Federation when this was set up in Glasgow, Scotland. The first taste of international competition for Maltese wrestlers came in 1970. 1974 is the year when Malta met Libya, which was the Maltese’s first full international, in Tripoli. From then onwards, every year, Maltese wrestlers took part in various international events.
Maltese wrestlers have so far participated in two Olympic Games, in three Mediterranean Games, in three Commonwealth Games, three Commonwealth Championships and in four European Small States Championships. Apart from these major events, Malta has also taken part in other competitions. When it comes to the local scene, the Malta Wrestling Wrestling Federation, organizes national club and individual championships plus a number of tournaments every year. The Maltese Federation’s headquarters are in the town of Naxxar, and its federal training quarters are also in Naxxar.
In 2019, The Malta Amateur Wrestling Federation celebrated its 50th Anniversary. For this occasion a special national competition was organised with the participation of some wrestlers from England, Scotland, Cyprus and Macedonia. Afterwards, a celebratory banquet was organised where awards were given to all participants and committee members for their long lasting service to the Federation.
The Committee Nowadays
Today’s committee is made up of six members. The President, Mr.Pierre Cassar, is a long serving member since the 90’s and has acted as secretary before in the same committee. He was elected President in 2018 after the demise of founder and ex President Mr.Bonello.
The Secretary is Mr.Abraham Vassallo, who wrestled since 1990 and currently the only International United World Wrestling Referee in Malta.
Mr.Alfred Ellul Mercer is also a long serving member of this committee and has always acted as Treasurer. His service is a very important one as this little federation has always worked with a limited amount of funds.
Jesmond Giordmaina is the current National team coach and member of this committee. His input is the most technical as he has participated in two Olympic Games, and other important games and International Competitions.
The other two members who make up the committee are David Galea and Adam Vella. These two are still active on the mat and also assist the national team coach in preparation of our athletes. They also represent the athletes in the committee and are of added value to the federation in both the organizational and technical aspect.
Malta Amateur Wrestling Federation 