Georgian PM, first UFC World Champion from country attend opening of sports facility in Rustavi
The PM said Rustavi was an “outstanding city with honoured and talented people”, and also called Topuria a “special example of the talent” from the city. Photo via Government Administration
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Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Ilia Topuria, a mixed martial arts wrestler who last month became the first athlete from the country to earn the title of the UFC World Featherweight Champion, on Wednesday attended the opening of a sports facility in Rustavi, a city south-east of capital Tbilisi.
Kobakhidze congratulated citizens of the city on the launch of the multipurpose indoor sports complex with ₾24 million ($8 mln) financing from the Asian Development Bank.
The PM said Rustavi was an “outstanding city with honoured and talented people”, and also called Topuria a “special example of the talent” from the city.
Sports have a special importance in many ways - sports means health, healthy lifestyle, right thinking and protecting people from bad habits. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the development of sports”, he added.
Kobakhidze extended his gratitude to the professionals involved in the project of the complex, including Irakli Karseladze, the country’s Infrastructure Minister, the ADB, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, as well Nino Latsabidze, the Mayor of Rustavi, and the Regional Governor.
Designed for 1,500 spectators, the venue is expected to host competitions in basketball, volleyball, handball, mini football, boxing, wrestling, judo and fencing, and is fully adapted for people with disabilities.