Former MLA and wrestler Sambhaji Pawar died after a prolonged illness in Sangli, his kin said on Monday. Pawar was 80 and died late Sunday night, a family member said.

Known as ''bijli malla'' in the wrestling arena, Pawar, who was MLA four times, was former state Janata Dal president, and had defeated heavyweight Vishnudada Patil in 1986.