The fifth game of semifinal series between “Armia” and “Kutaisi” turned out quite interesting. We watched the whole game with excitement and this tough game made us feel tired. After the game we had a chance to relax a little bit and watched the game between Latvian “Doks” Jelgava 45+ and the Georgian veterans’ team.
Mamuka Lomidze coached our veterans’ team. The following basketball players participated in the game: Nodar Korkia, Amiran (Bacho) Skhiereli, Aleko Petriashvili, Mamuka Turashvili, Guliver Akhalkatsi, Paata Guraspauli, Levan Mgaloblishvili, Ambrosi Ormotsadze, Lado Chikhladze, Giorgi Chkheidze, Zaza Gongadze, Levan Tsulaia, Zaza Tsagareishvili.
Despite the status of the friendly game, the rivals were not going to give up. The game ended up 54:50 in the favor of our team.
After the game Nodar Korkia gave presents to the guests. Andis Karklins thanked journalist Tengiz Pachkoria for his hospitality and Giorgi Zabakhidze, director of Superleague, - for organizing the game. Karklins also gave presents to the Georgians.
The guests and the hosts took a picture together and then, we talked to veteran Latvian basketball players Janis Batsan and Andis Karklins.
“Last year our team attended EuroBasket in Slovenia where we met georgian journalist Tengiz Pachkoria. We made friends with him. Unfortunately, the Georgian national team could not make through to the second round. The Latvian national team got among 12 best teams and Tengiz supported our team with us. We thought of an idea to play together and we carried out our plan by arriving in Georgia”, - the Baltic guests told us.
- Please, introduce your club to our readers…
- “Doks” was formed in the 80s of the previous century. Three years ago the veterans’ championship was launched in Latvia and we are competing in it successfully. This year “Doks” Jelgava 40+ became a champion and we, 45+, won bronze medals. We also have 50+, 55+ and 60+ teams. We hold 2-3 practices and play one game during a week. We do not have a sponsor. We play all expenses. Members of our families are our devoted fans. The championship does not have a sponsor as well. We, basketball players, set prize money and then, we award champions and prize winners.
- Does Jelgava live a sporting life?
- Our city is 40 km away from the capital of Latvia. As for the sporting life, it is important for the future success to have a new Olympic center. Our City Hall spent 14 million EUR on its construction. Basketball, football and hockey players will have the best conditions. As for the Jelgava basketball club, we took the sixth place in Latvia.
- Before Tbilisi you held a game in Gurjaani. What can you say about these two games?
- We lost 62:68 in Kakheti region. The Gurjaani locals and City Hall greeted us warmly. We shot everything on video and will show it to our families. I want to thank Vazha Kvaratskhelia, head coach of “Sokhumi”, for spending his time with us.
As for today’s game, we played well. We want to thank the Georgian basketball players for playing with us. We talked to your basketball players. They recalled their visits in Riga and friendship with the Latvian basketball players. Thank you for your warm and generous hospitality.
Gocha Kacharava
