<p>Russian three-time Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Buvaisar Saitiev has died at the age of 49, Russian sports officials said on Sunday.</p><p>Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev told <em>TASS</em> news agency that Saitiev's death was "premature and tragic," but provided no further details. Tass said only that he had died in Moscow.</p><p>Degtyarev described Saitiev as one of the most decorated freestyle wrestlers in history and praised his "inestimable" contribution to sport.</p><p>Saitiev won Olympic gold in the 74 kg category in the 1996, 2004 and 2008 Games and was a six-time world and European champion.</p><p>Saitiev, who retired in 2009, was awarded several civil honours in Russia and had served as a member of the State Duma lower house of parliament. </p>
<p>Russian three-time Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Buvaisar Saitiev has died at the age of 49, Russian sports officials said on Sunday.</p><p>Sports Minister Mikhail Degtyarev told <em>TASS</em> news agency that Saitiev's death was "premature and tragic," but provided no further details. Tass said only that he had died in Moscow.</p><p>Degtyarev described Saitiev as one of the most decorated freestyle wrestlers in history and praised his "inestimable" contribution to sport.</p><p>Saitiev won Olympic gold in the 74 kg category in the 1996, 2004 and 2008 Games and was a six-time world and European champion.</p><p>Saitiev, who retired in 2009, was awarded several civil honours in Russia and had served as a member of the State Duma lower house of parliament. </p>