Luka Kurtanidze, president of the Georgian Wrestling Federation, summarized the participation of the Georgian Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling teams in European Championship. Kurtanidze, medal winners of European Championship and members of the coaching staff (without head coaches) held a press conference.

Last week European Championship took place in the city of Finland, Vantaa. Only 3 from 16 Georgian athletes stood on the pedestal. Freestyle wrestlers won 2 medals: Vladimer Khinchegashvili (57 kg) won gold and Konstantine Khabalashvili (65 kg) won bronze. Greco-Roman wrestler Giorgi Tsirekidze (80 kg) took the third place.

The president of the federation congratulated the audience on the title of Khinchegashvili and also mentioned success of bronze medal winners. Kurtanidze stated European Championship showed that the Georgian teams had more potential.

“I am sure our wrestles will compete suitably at the Olympics. Everybody will agree with me that this result is not our maximum. There is a huge reserve and we will use it” – stated Kurtanidze.

We asked the president about weak physical preparation of the Georgian wrestlers. Kurtanidze stated this championship showed again the importance of specialists.

“German specialists will work on physical preparation. I have stated before our federation was holding negotiations with them. We have achieved the agreement. The Germans will arrive in Tbilisi in June and will train our sportsmen for World Championship” – added Luka Kurtanidze.

He also mentioned this year he planned more medals but only three Georgians managed to win medals.

Kurtanidze stated lack of self-confidence was the reason in the case of Davit Modzmanashvili (130 kg) – “Everybody who watched the wrestling of Dato told me he is the best in the world but he cannot use his advantage due to lack of self-confidence”.

As for the failure of Davit Marsagishvili (86 kg), Kurtanidze stated injury was the reason of it.

“It is tougher to keep the title of European Championship than to win it. I think this championship will be tough lesson for him. It is time for this boy to say a decisive word. World Championship is ahead. Otherwise there will be more question marks” – stated the legendary sportsman.

Luka Kurtanidze also mentioned psychological problem and stated they will work on it.

The president of the federation mentioned wrestling of Manuchar Tskhadaia (71 kg). He named the mistake of the referees as a reason of his loss to Russian Labazanov.

Otar Maglakelidze