An event dedicated to the memory of Vladimir Mestvirishvili, an honored coach in freestyle wrestling, was held at the Georgian National Olympic Committee, at the Georgian Olympic Museum, on July 7, 2026, Tuesday.
The event was attended by representatives of sports organizations and society, Vladimir Mestvirishvili’s wife and family, friends and colleagues, who remembered the famous coach’s sporting path.
President of SEOK, Olympic champion Leri Khabelov, spoke about the special role of his coach, Vladimir Mestvirishvili, in his successful sporting career. He emphasized Mestvirishvili’s high professionalism, outstanding human qualities, and the great contribution he made to his sporting success.
Leri Khabelov noted Vladimir Mestvirishvili’s special years in the development of Georgian wrestling and emphasized that his many years of hard work have played an important role in the success of many athletes.
The SEOC President also noted with great pride that the Indian Government has honoured Vladimir Mestvirishvili’s years of endeavour and significant contribution to the development of the sport.
During the event, information about the High State Award awarded by the President of India was presented – Vladimir Mestvirishvili’s long-standing work has been particularly appreciated in India. The country’s President conferred a special state award for his exceptional contribution to the development of Indian wrestling, which was given to Vladimir Mestvirishvili’s wife, Marina Saria, after his death.
It is noteworthy that Vladimir Mestvirishvili is the first Georgian coach whose performance was appreciated by the Indian government with such a high award. The award once again affirms his international authority and the outstanding legacy he has left in world wrestling.
On June 23, 2025, Georgian sports society suffered a great loss – Vladimir Mestvirishvili, a distinguished specialist in freestyle wrestling, honored coach of Georgia and the Soviet Union, died.
He was raised by Olympic champion, five-time world and four-time European champion Larry Khabelov, as well as multiple champions and prize winners in freestyle wrestling.
His many years of coaching work are associated with several important successes. In different years, he was the head of the Georgian youth and national teams. In 1981, he was the head coach of the Soviet Union’s junior team, and in 1979-1991 he was the coach of the Soviet Union team.
Later, Vladimir Mestvirishvili successfully continued his work on the international arena. In 1994, he was appointed as the head coach of the Macedonian national team and the club “Bucim Iaka”; the club became the world champion among clubs. In Macedonia, on the house where Vladimir Mestvirishvili lived, a memorial plaque has been opened, which clearly shows the special contribution of the Georgian coach in the development of Macedonian wrestling. Since 2003, he has been the head coach of the Indian national, youth, cadet, and women’s teams, where he made a special contribution to the development of the country’s wrestling. FILA awarded the highest award for its exceptional contribution to the development of world wrestling in 2011.
Vladimir Mestvirishvili’s name will remain forever in the history of Georgian sports, and his achievements will be remembered by future generations as an example of professionalism, hard work, and dedication to work.
