Georgian national judo team will participate at the Paris Grand Slam with just 9 athletes instead of pre-announced 14 next weekend. The team went to France without the head coach Irakli Uznadze, who has not recovered his foot yet after the operation. Giorgi Vazagashvili and Davit Asumban took the judokas in Paris. As for the thining out the composition, Uznadze informed “World Sport” about this yesterday.

“Unfortunately, an unpleasant news happened to us the last few days. Shalva Kardava (66kg), Zebeda Rekhviashvili, Nugzar Tatalashvili (both 73kg) and Nodar Metreveli (100kg) missed the Parisian tournament and joint exercises due to their health reasons. Rekhviashvili turned his ankle at the training and we have avoided the complications. Tatalashvili has hernia problems. Fortunately an operation is not needed and he will miss only 10 days. Kardava has problems due to boil. The old knee injury complicated to Metreveli. Probably in two weeks, we will allow him wrestle at the German tournament” – said Uznadze. After this comment, it turned out that Giorgi Kaldani (66kg) will not also participate at the Grand Slam due to his fever.

So, the following participants stayed on the list: Amiran Papinashvili, Lukhum Chkhvimiani (both 60kg), Avtandil Chrikishvili, Ushangi Margiani (both 81kg), Varlam Liparteliani, Beka Gviniashvili (both 90kg), Ioseb Mskhaladze (100kg), Adam Okruashvili and Levan Matiashvili (both +100kg).

On Saturday the medals will be awarded in 60, 66 and 73kgs among boys an on Sunday in 81, 90, 100 and +100kgs.

Otar Maglakelidze