Judo: Georgia wins six medals in Rome

Georgian judoka’s are enjoying their success after winning six medals at an international competition in Italy.

The Georgian athletes won six medals at the European Open in Rome, Italy – one gold, four silver and one bronze.

The gold medal winner was Olympic and European Champion Lasha Shavdatuashvili (-73kg). This weight category was an all-Georgia final where Shavdatuashvili challenged Nugzar Tatalashvili for the gold medal. Coincidentally, Tatalashvili came from the same town as Shavdatuahsvili.

Tatanashvili (in white) and Shavdatuashvili fighting for the gold medal. Photo from Georgia Judo Federation official Facebook page

The other three silver medal winners were Amira Papinashvili (-60kg), Tornike Tatarashvili (-66k) and Levan Matiashvili (-100kg). Beka Gviniashvili (-90kg) gained the bronze medal.

Of the seven weight categories, the Georgian judokas fought in four finals.

A number of Georgian judoka made semi-final matches; Tristan Peikrishvili (-66kg) and Aleksandre Mskhaladze (-100kg) fought for a bronze medal in their respective categories, while Georgians Pridon Gigani (-73kg) and Adam Okruashvili (+100) placed seventh in their sections.

These results saw the Georgian team gain second place overall following Japan in the tournament.

In 2014 the Georgian national Judo team cemented their status as the best in the continent after winning the Judo European Championship for the third time in a row.