Georgian judoka Lasha Bekauri (-90 kg) secured gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, marking his second consecutive Olympic victory. In the final, Bekauri triumphed over Japanese competitor Murao Sanshiro, earning the first gold medal for Georgia at these Games. Bekauri, who also won gold at the Tokyo Olympics, overcame Spain’s Tristan Moshlashvili in the semi-finals.
Georgia’s medal haul continued with Tato Grigalashvili (-81 kg) earning a silver on July 30. Grigalashvili, a three-time world champion, added to the country’s success. Another silver medal was claimed by judoka Ilia Sulamanidze (100 kg).
Boxer Lasha Guruli (63.5 kg) finished with a bronze medal on August 4, despite a unanimous decision loss in the semi-final match.
The Georgian team, consisting of 28 athletes, is competing in various sports at the Summer Olympics in Paris from July 26 to August 11. Notably, sport shooter Nino Salukvadze makes history as the first female athlete to participate in 10 Olympic Games.
The Georgian delegation also features freestyle wrestlers Goderdzi Dzebisashvili, Vladimir Gamkrelidze, Givi Matcharashvili, and Geno Petriashvili, as well as Greco-Roman wrestlers Ramaz Zoidze, Lasha Gobadze, and Robert Kobliashvili. In fencing, Sandro Bazadze will compete, and trampoline jumper Luba Golovina will represent Georgia as well.
The roster includes weightlifters Shota Mishveladze, Irakli Chkheidze, and Lasha Talakhadze; boxers Lasha Guruli and Giorgi Khimshiashvili; and judokas Giorgi Sardalashvili, Vazha Margvelashvili, Lasha Shavdatuashvili, Tato Grigalashvili, Lasha Bekauri, Ilia Sulamanidze, Guram Tushishvili, Eter Liparteliani, Eter Askilashvili, and Sophio Somkhishvili. Runners Lika Kharchilava and swimmers Ana Nizharadze and Noe Pantskhava will also compete.
An additional historic first for Georgia is a team of male and female judo wrestlers competing in the mixed team event.
By Team GT
