The President of SEOK, Olympic champion Leri Khabelov, attended the third stage of the World Series in Sand Wrestling in Batumi on June 22, 2026. It should be noted that the Sand Wrestling World Series was held for the first time in Georgia, and 100 athletes from 22 countries of the world participated in it.
The winners were announced in the four-four weight category among men and women. The Georgian national team, under the leadership of head coach Jemal Kiladze, won four medals, including one gold and three bronze.
Luka Chkhitunidze celebrated the championship in the 80 kg category. It is noteworthy that the Georgian athlete won all three stages of the World Series this year. David Fartenadze (70 kg), Esemi Shvelidze (90 kg), and Mamuka Kordzaia (+90 kg) won bronze medals and important rating points.
President of SEOK, Olympic champion Leri Khabelov, took part in the opening and award ceremonies of the tournament. He said, “I am glad that Batumi hosts the third stage of the Sand Wrestling World Series – an important international tournament, which is held in Georgia for the first time and unites up to 100 of the best athletes from 22 countries around the world.”
He also noted, “It is especially joyful that the World Series stage is held in Georgia. This is another recognition of our country’s great sporting potential and the successful cooperation with international sporting organizations over the years.”
Leri Khabelov Mentioned, “Today, when Georgia hosts the World Series stage, we can say that the support of our country and the Georgian National Olympic Committee has contributed significantly to this success.” According to him, this tournament once again confirms that Georgia is a reliable and successful partner in terms of hosting international sports events.
“Georgian National Olympic Committee actively supported the development of sand wrestling from the beginning. We believed that this sport would achieve significant international success with its sights and accessibility. And today we see with great satisfaction how sand wrestling is developing, growing in popularity, and uniting more and more countries. The medals won by our athletes at the International Serbian Championship are particularly commendable.”
“I thank the WWC Sand Wrestling Committee, the National Wrestling Federation of Georgia, the Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of Education and Sports of Adjara, and all the organizations with whose support this important event is organized”.
President of SEOK, Leri Khabelov, was awarded a special award for his exceptional contribution to sand wrestling in Georgia by Pedro Silva, President of the Sand Wrestling Committee.
The event was organized by the National Wrestling Federation of Georgia, with the support of the Ministry of Sport of Georgia, the National Olympic Committee of Georgia, the Ministry of Education and Sport of Adjara, the Department of Sports of Adjara, and the Batumi Sports Center.
