Georgian Sumo players after returning from European Championship held summarizing press-conference at Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs. Tengiz Rukhadze president of Sumo Federation and Avtandil Tsretsvadze and Zaza Balashvili – sumo players met journalists.
“About 400 sportsmen from 21 countries took place in this tournament. Georgia had the least sportsmen at this championship, but in spite of this they showed quite good results. 4-man team managed to win 5 medals. Georgian team managed to go through final stage among 9 teams and finally took the third place. World Championship is ahead, it is to be held in Estonia in August.  We are not financed well but in spite of this we will do our best to please Georgian fans”- stated Tengiz Rukhadze. Avtandil Khurtsidze mentioned that in spite of not having preparation for this tournament, they managed to succeed. But he added that they can succeed much more in the future. He hopes that they will have better support and of course it will reflect on their results.
European Sumo Championship finished three days ago in Vienna. Champions and prize winners were found out in 18, 21 and elder age categories.
 Zurab Akobardia wrestled in U-18 in 100 weight category and managed to win bronze medal. Zaza Balashvili wrestled in U-21 and became champion in the heaviest weight category. In elder age categories Avtandil Tsertsvadze (absolute) won silver medal and Adam Okruashvili (heavy weight) won bronze medal. As for Georgian team, it lost with Russian team in final match and as a result won bronze medal.

Otar Maglakelidze