Captain of Georgian national team Zaza Pachulia presented the NBA Cup to Georgian fans at the Sports Palace. The event was attended by many honorable guests, including Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and US Ambassador in Georgia Ian Kelly.
At the beginning, Zaza remembered his previous career and thanked each coach and his teammates.
33-year-old player told the audience that his mother made him love basketball, because she also was a basketball player and noted that she plays a big role in his development.
Zaza also mentioned the August war in 2008 and remembered those soldiers who sacrificed against Russia.
“Thank you very much for coming. Maybe I am a bit nervous and it is natural. I would like to remember the August 7, 2008 and the soldiers who died in the war. I am not so proud of this cup as those boys who were defending our country.
I was waiting this day for a few months. We deserved it. My friends and family members were there. There were millions of “Warriors” fans, but now I am more excited because I am in front of my people. It was not an easy year, there were a lot of criticism too. When you play in championship team you should get used to it and be psychologically strong. After a tireless work and many wins we became champions on June 12. No one can take this Cup away. This Cup is ours, Georgians. All this would not have happened without your support and do not think that this is just a story of this year. Everything started when I first met Zura Samkharadze at the age of 9.
“I came to you when I was a little boy, with big ears (laughs). You taught me everything. We have been building the foundation for 5 years together”, - said Zaza.
Members of the government attended the event: Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Tariel Khechikashvili, Mayor of Tbilisi Davit Narmania and the Candidate of Mayor Kakhi Kaladze.
Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili congratulated Zaza and wished him success at EuroBasket:
“Thanks for this joy and for the attitude that we feel every year after your success. Your success is the greatest inspiring power for Georgia. Especially for children. This should be a personal example for everyone. We all remember 129:120, when the Georgian flag was waving over “Golden State”. Georgia is awaiting new success. We are sure that we will gain success at EuroBasket”, - said Kvirikashvili.
US Ambassador in Georgia Ian Kelly congratulated Zaza this success and thanked him for his work in Georgian team and “Golden State”.
“Congratulations Zaza! I would like to congratulate the champion and thank him for bringing this beautiful Cup in Georgia. Thank you for everything you do for your country and for America too. Thanks for your existence” – said Ian Kelly.
All the members of the team congratulated Zaza. Tornike Shengelia added that the success of each Georgian sportsman is the success of Georgia.
“Congratulations brother. This is the success of both yours and the whole country. For such a small country like Georgia, everything that happens for the first time is very exciting and great success. We should all be proud that today this trophy has arrived in Georgia”, - stated Tornike Shengelia.
Besides, teammates of “Golden State Warriors” also noted that they are greatly honored to play with Zaza.
Recall that Zaza Pachulia won the NBA championship title on June 12 and brought the Cup in Georgia on August 6. The president of Georgia awarded Pachulia with the Order of Honor. As for the team – Zaza will join the team on August 8 and will start preparing for the 2017 European Championship.
