Revaz Mindorashvili, the most title member of Georgian freestyle wrestling team, is returning to international mat after a long pause. World, European and Olympic champion will participate in team competition next year and will try to become a leader and to win gold medals. After Beijing Olympic Games, health of Mindorashvili got worse and he needed a long treatment. There were rumors that he was going to leave active sport. The sportsman has not confirmed this information. At the press conference which was held at the office of Georgian National Committee, journalists were represented list of sportsmen who would get salary from International Olympic Committee. "Revaz Mindorashvili will fight for London Olympic Games and I am sure, he will achieve his goal easily" - stated GNOC president Gia Natsvlishvili.
The wrestler who won all titles in 84 kg, was treated in Germany. He returned to Georgian the day before yesterday and talked to "World Sport" about the pause and future plans.
- After Beijing Olympiad you stated once that you might have given up active sport. You have not wrestled since then.
- I always try not to make such statements but my health condition made me think about it. After Olympiad, I tried to participate in tournaments but because of this problem I could not manage.
- What is that problem?
- It is not sport injury. My health situation prevented me from that. I have left for Germany 4 times since 2009 and I had special medical treatment there.
- Why did not you have medical treatment in Georgia?
- Unfortunately, they could not make diagnosis. I had to believe my friend's advice and left for Germany. I did not have another choice. Everyone can guess how expensive it was.
- Generally, higher bodies of sport pay for medical treatment of sportsman. Were you disappointed because of lack of attention?
- I was just disappointed. When a sportsman is in trouble, he needs someone to support him...
- Have you already recovered?
- Everything is alright. But professor told me that I had to arrive in Germany again. He let me train. I was also training in Germany.
- How do you think, will you need a lot of time to restore sport form?
- It is impossible to say now. I will wrestle on mat tomorrow. I had a long pause and I am looking forward to returning to active sport. Maybe this pause will do me good.
- You have not wrestled at Georgian Championship which was qualifying competition for European Championship. So, will you miss European Championship?
- A very good young wrestler is competing in 84 kg. Davit Marsagishvili must be in the team. I think, he can show good result at European Championship. It would not be fair if I fought for European Championship.
- Will you start participation in domestic competition with Balavadze international tournament?
- I am going to do it so. But perhaps, I will participate in any international tournament before that.
- You are in the list of those sportsmen who will have London Olympiad licence. Also you will get salary from amount of International Olympic Committee...
- I am happy that they rely on me. I will try to justify their hopes. As for salary, I do not want anyone to say that I am wrestling because of money. It is not right.
- Did you gain weight after a pause?
- I weigh the same as before Beijing Olympiad.
- Perhaps, you were watching European and World Championships during last two years and especially your weight class...
- Of course, I was. I think, stronger wrestlers competed in 84 kg two years ago. I do not want to boast but if not that pause, I would have won several medals.



Otar Maglakelidze