Batumi, Georgia: The first day of the Kurash European Championship among seniors, cadets, and juniors concluded with the junior competitions was held in Batumi at the Mukhran Vakhtangadze Sports Palace on April 13, 2025, Sunday.
It is noteworthy that Georgia hosts the Kurash European Championship for the first time, which will be held in Batumi from 9-14 April. Within the framework of the championship, the International Kurash Institute has already held seminars for the professional development of Kurash coaches and referees of European countries.
Nearly 212 athletes from 20 countries are participating in the championship, and 59 athletes are protecting the honor of Georgia. On the first competition day of the tournament, the Georgian team won 11 gold, 5 silver, and 12 bronze medals.
The Minister of Education and Sports of Adjara, Maya Khajishvili, the Minister of Sports of Georgia Shalva Gogoladze, the Minister of Sport of Uzbekistan Adham Ikramov, the Minister of Culture of Adjara Eliso Bolkvadze, and the Mayor of Batumi Archil Chikovani took part in the ceremony as a guest of honor.
The championship is being held with the financial support of the Ministry of Sport of Georgia and the National Federation of Georgia “Sport for All” organization. Supporters are the Adjara Ministry of Education and Sports, the Adjara Culture Ministry, and the Batumi City Hall.
The national flags of the participating countries were presented with a ceremony. Officials took the floor to wish all athletes luck, fair competition, and success. They particularly emphasized how interest in Kurash is growing daily in Georgia and highlighted the country’s leadership’s comprehensive support for sports development.
During the cultural part of the opening ceremony, the Georgian people performed the Georgian folk song “Gandagana,” as well as national dances featuring traditional hats and belts. The national values and artistic harmony of the Georgian people shared warmth and festive spirit with every spectator. This was not just an opening but also a historic event for the sport of Kurash, a beautiful demonstration of friendship and unity through Kurash to the world.
Thereafter, the competitions continued with their final stages. The semifinals and finals became a true display of skill, determination, and love for the sport. Behind every victory stands hard work, intense preparation, and continuous training.
At the end of the day, the strongest were crowned as a champion—they were awarded the European Championship medals, diplomas, and commemorative gifts. They have not only brought pride to their own countries but have also become an honor for the entire continent of Kurash.
The championship will continue today also with competitions among seniors and cadets.
