The Malta Amateur Wrestling Federation (MAWF), with the backing of Arriva Malta, are holding an international tournament, an event that will revive the excitement offered by international competition in our country after a lapse of seven years.

The Arriva Malta International Tournament, taking place today at the Naxxar Boys’ Secondary School, will see local wrestlers compete against their English and Welsh counterparts

“Arriva believes that local talent should always be supported and encouraged, and we are glad to be backing Maltese wrestlers who, despite being a small team with scant resources, have always made us proud, both locally and internationally,” an Arriva spokesperson said in a statement.

Today’s tournament will be a baptism of fire for several newcomers and an opportunity for some veteran wrestlers, the likes of Robert Bonavia, to make a comeback.

The three participating teams have agreed to combine a number of categories to ensure that all the wrestlers contest the maximum number of bouts possible. Spearheaded by coach Jesmond Giordimaina, the Maltese team is made up of 10 wrestlers, including Abraham Vassallo who last represented the country at the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in India in 2010.

The other members of the MAWF selection are Gary Giordimaina, Franklyn Sciberras, Mark Galea, Sebastian Zammit, David Zammit, Sean Galea, Andrea Saliba and George Vassallo. Wales are coming with five wrestlers whereas the English team comprises seven competitors.

The first bout commences at 10 a.m.

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