The Georgian Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling teams suspended practices this morning. The wrestlers are protesting appointment of head coaches by Luka Kurtanidze, president of the federation.

The sportsmen are demanding resignation of Kurtanidze.

Davit Modzmanashvili: “The practices will not be resumed unless resignation of Luka Kurtanidze. It is the decision of the boys, coaches”.

Vakhtang Blagidze: “We the wrestlers have been one family during many years and we were making decisions together. Such situation is unacceptable for me. Olympic and world champions must gather together to improve the situation”.

Luka Kurtanidze is not going to change his decision or to resign. If the coaching process does not resume, he is going to hold the national championship. New candidates will be found out and they will compete in international tournaments.

Luka Kurtanidze: “A lot of explanations have been said about this issue. Each of us has a great responsibility. We are ready to coach those wrestlers who want to defend dignity of our country. The Georgian Championship will be held and winners will participate in international tournaments”.

Levan Kipiani: “The coaching process must be resumed. The athletes should do their job and the federation should act in full compliance”.

Zura Ksovreli