Georgian judo team honored with state awards for historic achievements

In a ceremony held today at the Presidential Palace, Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili awarded members of the national judo team, their coaches, and the leadership of the Judo Federation with the Order of Honor and Honor Medals, following a joint nomination by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili.

President Kavelashvili, together with Prime Minister Kobakhidze and Speaker Papuashvili, congratulated the athletes and expressed gratitude for their extraordinary accomplishments on the international stage. The event celebrated the national team’s unprecedented success in becoming both World and European champions in mixed team competition.

Prime Minister Kobakhidze highlighted the role of sport in promoting national pride, calling it a platform where Georgia’s flag and anthem can be represented with honor worldwide. He announced a financial award of one million GEL for the national team in recognition of their world title and outlined the government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure, including multi-functional sports centers nationwide, with a special emphasis on judo.

For her exceptional contribution, women’s national team member and world champion Eteri Liparteliani was awarded the Order of Queen Tamar. Other members of the men’s and women’s teams, as well as coaching and medical staff, received the Order of Honor and Honor Medals for their role in the team’s historic achievements.

Kobakhidze emphasized that Georgia is working to advance both grassroots and elite sports and reaffirmed the government’s plans to support athletic development throughout the country. The ceremony marked a moment of national pride and recognition for Georgian athletes who continue to bring international acclaim to their country.