Georgian Sumo Federation traditionally summarized Vilnius World Sambo Championship at Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. Avtandil Tsintsadze (52 kg) became world champion, Ushangi Kuzanashvili (57 kg) and Levan Zhorzholiani (100 kg) won silver medals, Niko Kutsia (82 kg) and Davit Loriashvili (+100 kg) gained bronze medals. Nino Odzelashvili (72 kg) is the first Georgian female who managed to become prize winner in Georgian sambo history, she won bronze medal.
“Georgian national team has not won gold medal at World championship for four years. In Vilnius, on this three-day tournament Avtandil Tsintsadze achieved our goal on the first day and it made big impression on other members of the team. Next day we had two real chances to win gold medals, but we could not manage to use it. In total, we are very satisfied. Our sportsmen were very determined and it is also very pleasant that popularization of sambo increases. It was proved by number of participants at this championship. I would like to thank everyone who played even minimal role in this success. Especially I would like to talk about our coach Emil Rash’s merit. He was the main referee at this tournament and did his job in perfect way. He has big authority and without him and another referee- Otar kKurashvili, we would be oppressed in some moments”- stated Temur Giorgadze president of Sambo Federation and active head coach of Georgian team.
Gia Galdava deputy of Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs thanked to authority of federation, coaches and sportsmen for this success. He congratulated them such victory and wishes another victories in the future. He also mentioned that Sambo is the only kind of sport among Olympic or not Olympic kinds of sports where Georgian won gold medal. At the end of the press-conference he congratulated to The Tsintsadze family. Avto Tsintsadze’s father was very good judoka, he was successful in age national teams and Galdava said that it is pleasant that his son also reached such success. Gabriel Barjadze general secretary of Sambo Federation reminded everyone that for Georgian national team Tsintsadze;s gold medal is the 18th one gained at World championship. In total 24 Georgians managed to be in top three.
Otar Maglakelidze
