Rio 2016 Olympics: Georgian athletes depart for Brazil

Georgian leaders, the country’s legendary sportsmen and the general public have gathered to encourage the Georgian Olympic delegation before they leave for Brazil today.

Today also marked the Olympic oath-taking ceremony at Tbilisi Olympic Park.

Georgia’s Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili addressed the Georgian Olympic team and wished them success and many victories in their upcoming sporting challenges.

The PM stressed Georgia will make history at the Rio 2016 Summer Olympic Games, as a record number of athletes would represent the country at this year's prestigious sporting competition.

Forty Georgian athletes – 30 men and nine women – will compete in 13 disciplines at the Rio Olympics. These disciplines are:

1. Judo,
2. Freestyle wrestling,
3. Greco-Roman wrestling,
4. Athletics,
5. Weightlifting,
6. Archery,
7. Shooting sport,
8. Swimming,
9. Trampolining,
10. Rhythmic gymnastics,
11. Fencing,
12. Tennis, 
13. Canoeing.

Georgia’s President Giorgi Margvelashvili also spoke at the ceremony and said he believed and hoped the Georgian national anthem would be heard multiple times in Brazil.

Brazil’s Ambassador in Georgia also attended the event.

The Georgian team heading to Rio de Janeiro will include two Olympic champions, two Olympic medal winners, four world champions as well as 19 European champions and prize-winners.

Of the group, 12 atheltes have taken part in previous Olympic Games, with three-time medal winning shooter Nino Salukvadze appearing at her eighth Olympic Games.