Members of Georgian judo team returned in Tbilisi from Slovenia with the title of World Champion and after several hours visited the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. Levan Kipiani, Davit Kevkhishvili (president of Georgian judo federation) and Gia Gugava (head coach of youth team) summarized the main competition of the season.

Minister thanked to the athletes, coaches of the team and the leadership of federation for the successful season and concretely for the Slovenian World Cup. He announced that judo is the leading sport of Georgia and it is pleasant, that new generation also continues the tradition.

Levan Kipiani informed the audience that the Ministry together with Judo Federation intends realization of some interesting projects, which will help this kind of sport to develop and will contribute to further popularization. One of the project is Georgian Club Championship. Also the problem of infrastructure and opening a new judo schools.

Davit Kevkhishvili also thanked the judo team. Especially he mention hard work of Gia Gugava and his assistants: Guram Modebadze and Bidzina Mokhevishvili. He did not reject also Vladimer Nutsubidze, Georgian coach of international category, and finally he thanked the leadership of the Ministry of Sports for supporting all time. Federation president noted, that he is happy with the youth team and he is convinced that they will have success also in the future.

After this head coach talked directly about the competition.

“Of course I am pleased with the overall outcome. The team ended the Championship with gold medal. The boys were very motivated and we were not expected other result. As for the individual Championship, it was also successful, but there was some moments in which I am sorry. Even about the lost medal by Giorgi Zakariadze (+100kg) at the end of the meeting. He was winning in the bronze meeting, but weakened and lost his advantage in final 18 seconds. Loss of Guram Tetrashvili (100kg) was accidental. He violated the rule such that did not even guessed and he was removed deservedly. These moments were much talked but we were not oppressed. If there was not that mistake he would be an unconditional candidate of medal. As for Leri Chelidze (55kg) he gained the bronze medal, but he could do more and I hope he will achieve better place next time. Levan Matiashvili (+100kg) is also talented. And as for Beka Gviniashvili (90kg), he is separate topic. He has already made the world to talk about him. He has really great potential and if he direct his abilities correctly maybe he will be a leader of the national team for the upcoming Olympic Games” – said Gia Gugava.

Here is a comment of the World Champion:

“This year, I won the European and World Championships and of course I am very satisfied. Thanks to everyone who helped me in achieving this success. Winning the World Team Championship was the most happiest. We were so sure about our victory that no one could win over us” – Beka Gviniashvili told to “World Sport”.

And finally, one more interesting news, which we learned from the head coach of the youth team. Gia Gugava said that only Pridon Gigani (73kg), Levan Matiashvili and Giorgi Zakariadze ended their participation in this age group. The majority of the team members have another two years to wrestle in this youth team. Among them is Gviniashvili, who turned 18 several days ago.

Otar Maglakelidze