Mysore/Mysuru: Pailwan R. Ramalingaiah (92), a wrestling referee and a resident of Gandhinagar in city, passed away at his residence yesterday following age-related ailments.

He is survived by two daughters and three sons. Last rites were held at Adi Karnataka burial ground in Gandhinagar on Tuesday.

He was recognised as the first wrestling referee from a Scheduled Caste community. After retiring from Railways, he was involved in wrestling and its propagation and, nurtured young talents.

He served as referee for four decades at Sahukar Chennaiah Kusti Akhada and also as trainer at Hathu Janagala Garadi of Gandhinagar. He was honoured with a gold medal by the then Chief Minister Veerendra Patil during Dasara celebrations.

Jayachamaraja Wadiyar Garadi Sangha and Sahukar S. Channaiah Kusti Akhada President K.K. Chandraprakash and General Secretary S. Mahadev have condoled the death of Ramalingaiah.