Georgia’s Greco-Roman wrestling team turned in three medal-winning performances at the ongoing European Championship in Kaspiysk, Russia to claim honours on day one of the competition.
Of Georgia’s medal-earning athletes, Robert Kobliashvili claimed gold in the 87kg category on Monday with his defeat of home favourite Bekhan Ozdoev.
Scoring a win of 3:2, Kobliashvili’s success was added to by Nugzar Tsurtsumia’s bronze in 55kg and another third-placed result by Iakob Kajaia in 130kg, on the same day.
The result has also propelled Georgia to second place in team ranking with 71 points, behind Russia’s 90, before three other athletes of the team compete for more honours later today.
Shmagi Bokvadze (67kg) will face Russia’s Artyom Surkov for gold in the weight category, while junior world champion Davit Chkhartishvili will aim for a bronze in 60kg.
Georgia’s Iuri Lomadze (top) will seek his medal in the 72kg later today. Photo: National Wrestling Federation of Georgia.
Iuri Lomadze, competing in 72kg, will also have an opportunity to write his name among medal-winning wrestlers of the European contest.
Today’s matches will round off the tournament held in Russia’s Dagestan Republic.