The government has posthumously conferred the National Order of Sport Merit, also known as the “Cheongryong Medal," to pro-wrestler Kim Il who died Thursday at age 77.

Culture Minister Kim Myong-gon on Friday visited the hospital where a memorial altar has been set up for Kim and delivered the medal to his bereaved family.

Kim began his pro wrestling career in 1957 and became the world heavyweight champion in 1963.

With his trademark headbutt that knocked down bulky foreign wrestlers in the ring, he was regarded as a national hero in the 1960s and 70s.