Georgian judo team starts preparation for European Championship with Asian meeting. After the end of Prague World Cup, Peter Seisenbacher, head coach of Georgian team, left for Japan with 10 judokas.

Here are these judokas: Lasha Shavdatuashvili, Shalva Kardava (66kg), Nugzar Tatalashvili, Zebeda Rekhviashvili (73kg), Beka Ghviniashvili (81kg), Varlam Liparteliani (90kg), Levan Zhorzholiani, Nodar Metreveli (100kg), Adam Okruashvili, Zviad Khanjaliashvili (+100kg). Also, Amiran Papinashvili, Betkil Shukvani (60kg), Zurab Zviadauri (90kg) and Levan Matiashvili (+100kg) who did not compete in World Cup and joined the team from Tbilisi.

Seisenbacher put Avtandil Chrikishvili and Levan Tsiklauri (81kg) in the preliminary list but because of injuries these sportsmen will join European preparation later. Medical examination will determine the exact date.

Japanese trainings will last till March 18. Then, Georgian team will arrive in South Korea and will stay there for 10 days. On March 28, they will return to Tbilisi.

European Championship will be held in the city of Russia, Chelyabinsk, on April 26-28. Another foreign meeting – perhaps German - is in the plan of Seisenbacher. 

Otar Maglakelidze