Georgian judo team will compete in Buenos Aires “World Cup” with five judokas tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Amiran Papinashvili (60kg) and Nugzar Tatalashvili (73kg) who participated in Rio de Janeiro “Grand Prix” (June 9-10) have health problems and returned to Tbilisi. Other five judokas are participating in five-day Brazilian meeting.

Today, the team arrived in Argentina. Varlam Liparteliani (90kg) and Irakli Tsirekidze (100kg) returned to Georgia. Peter Seisenbacher, head coach of Georgian team, let Liparteliani rest. Tsirekidze has ankle injury. It is not serious and the most titled Georgian judoka will continue preparing for London Olympiad soon.

The following judokas will wrestle on Buenos Aires tatami: Betkil Shukvani (60kg), Lasha Shavdatuashvili (66kg), Avtandil Chrikishvili (81kg), Levan Zhorzholiani (100kg) and Adam Okruashvili (+100kg).

After the tournament, Seisenbacher and Georgian judokas will arrive in Tbilisi and train in Georgia for one week. Two foreign meetings – in Czech Republic and Spain – are planned from June 25. The last meeting will take place in Dusheti.

The following judokas have Olympic licenses: Amiran Papinashvili, Betkil Shukvani (both 60kg), Lasha Shavdatuashvili (66kg), Nugzar Tatalashvili (73kg), Avtandil Chrikishvili (81kg), Varlam Liparteliani (90kg), Levan Zhorzholiani, Irakli Tsirekidze (both 100kg), Adam Okruashvili and Zviad Khanjaliashvili (both +100kg). Shavdatuashvili, Tatalashvili, Chrikishvili and Liparteliani will wrestle on Olympic mat for sure. There are 2-2 candidates in 60, 100 and +100kg and Seisenbacher must make choice.

The head coach may name Olympic staff next week, before leaving for Czech Republic.
 

Otar Maglakelidze