Georgian Judo Federation and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs hold a press conference in connection with the preparations for the International Grand Prix tournament in Judo, which will take place on March 21-23 in the Tbilisi Sports Palace. Sports minister Levan Kipiani, president of Judo Federation Davit Kevkhishvili and the representatives of sponsor companies of the tournament: “Aqua Geo” and “Zedazeni” talked with journalists about the organizational issues.

“This is for the first time we organize a tournament, whose prize fund is 100 000 USD and sometimes called small world Championship. Georgian judo is on the right track and recent successes are a testament to that and most importantly there is a strongly encouraging situation in children’s judo. New halls are opening. Thanks to Davit Kevkhishvili, because this success is the result of good work of Judo Federation. Upcoming Grand Prix is another premise of making progress. Along with the Sports Ministry, Judo Federation and Judo International Federation, organizers of the tournament are also “SNO” and “Zedazeni” and I want to thank these companies for their support. Thanks to Tbilisi Government. I hope we will host the Grand Prix at a high level” – said Levan Kipiani.

Judo Federation President, for his part, thanked the Sports Minister for the work done for judo. Davit Kevkhishvili noted about the upcoming tournament that the attendance will be free. Company representatives noted that supporting Georgian Sport is a great honor for them.

According to the latest information, following countries registered for the Grand Prix: Great Britain, Ireland, United States of America, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Italy, Slovenia, Iran, Romania, Egypt, Lithuania, Turkmenistan, Croatia, Russia, Mongolia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Estonia, Azerbaijan, Togo, Armenia, Israel, Portugal, Turkey, Czech Republic, France, South Korea and Ukraine. The French will be represented in the tournament only by the referee. Japan is not among the participants, which will skip the Grand Prix due to the domestic Championship.

President of International Judo Federation – Marius Vizer will attend the Grand Prix together with other officials.

Special logo and mascot of the tournament were represented at the press conference. According to the idea of the advertising company “Wind Force”, the mascot of the tournament will be Caucasian snow leopard “Noe”, which is the symbol of bravery and courage.

And finally, Georgian team will perform with a powerful composition. 28 Georgian judokas will fit kimono.

Otar Maglakelidze