The story of Georgia’s emerging presence in the world of table tennis gained renewed attention this past week, thanks to the impressive performance of 15-year-old Anastasia Chkhartishvili at an international table tennis tournament held in Riga, Latvia. Anastasia, a rising star and the current Georgian champion in the under-17 categories, took on Europe’s best in a prestigious event that ran from October 24–27, showcasing her talent on a truly international stage.
This annual ranking tournament attracted champions and top players from 13 European nations, seeing nearly 200 competitors participating across different age categories, making for an intense competition. Despite the challenging field, Anastasia’s performance set her apart. She emerged victorious in all her group-stage matches, advancing confidently to the 1/8 finals and continuing her winning streak all the way to the final match.
In the final, Anastasia faced Lithuanian Morkunaite Smilte, a skilled player who had previously defeated the tournament’s top-seeded Estonian player, Irina Litvinova, in a close 3-2 match. But Anastasia demonstrated poise and strategic prowess, dismantling her opponent in a stunning 3-0 sweep with scores of 11-8, 11-5, and 11-7, leaving her Lithuanian competitor little chance to get into the game.
This victory is historic for Georgian table tennis, marking the first time a Georgian player under the age of 19 has captured the championship at such a prominent international tournament. It’s not Anastasia’s first notable win either: last year, she became the first Georgian to secure the championship title in Greece’s European Youth Series for girls under 15, proudly raising Georgia’s flag.
Anastasia’s success reflects her disciplined and determined spirit, qualities that make her stand out in her sport. She exhibits a calm demeanor under pressure, exceptional focus, and unyielding resilience—traits essential for any athlete aiming for the top of their game. As she continues to progress, there is growing hope and anticipation in Georgia that she could one day be a world champion.
As Georgian table tennis continues its gradual rise in popularity with young players like Anastasia leading the way, her achievements are a testament to the power of dedication, the support of her family and community, and the promise of even greater successes ahead.
By Team GT
