We thought it was decided that Tbilisi would host European Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestling Championships 2013 at Sports Palace. Moreover, Georgian Wrestling Federation confirmed this information three months ago.

In September, FILA congress was held before World Championship and Georgian Wrestling Federation showed a special video to the attendants. This video showed how attractive our capital and the whole country are for foreign tourists. The video presentation was approved. Kakha Getsadze, president of the wrestling federation, made the following statement for Georgian TV channels – of course, other countries want to host European Championship but this congress will decide that Tbilisi will be the only candidate.

The management of the federation believes that everything is already decided but it seems the International Federation only gives us unofficial hopes.

“Georgia is a traditional wrestling country and it is logical the country wants to host European Championship 2013. But your country has serious opponents, for example, Bulgaria, Hungary and Ukraine. Overall, there are 8 countries. International Federation will estimate all candidates and will choose the best one” – Uzbek Akhroljan Ruziev, delegate of International Wrestling Federation, stated at Sports Palace while visiting it on December 23.

Uzbek guest arrived in Tbilisi to learn about the local conditions. Besides Sports Palace, he visited those hotels where sportsmen and referees are to live in.

Kakha Getsadze made more modest statement than in September.

“Ruziev visited hotels “Tbilisi Marriot”, “Holiday Inn”, “Bazaleti”. He will estimate Sports Palace and I hope his conclusion will be in the favor of us”. 

Otar Maglakelidze