Georgian PM says development of sports “particularly important” for Gov’t

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday told the opening ceremony of a newly built football stadium in the southern city of Marneuli that development of sports in the country was “particularly important” for the Government.

Kobakhidze highlighted the importance of developing “both high-achieving sports and mass sports”, telling the event the support would mean a “healthier society” and “healthier youth”.

Today, an extraordinary stadium, built in accordance with UEFA standards, is being opened. It is built as a UEFA second category stadium - all the relevant equipment is in place, it is adapted for people with disabilities, and most importantly, it is such a beautiful stadium to look at”, he said.

The PM extended his gratitude to the country’s Infrastructure Minister Irakli Karseladze and Municipal Development Fund under the Ministry, as well as the Sport Minister Thea Tsulukiani for efforts.

He also thanked the Georgian Football Federation and its President Levan Kobiashvili, pledging support for sports and “in particular football, which is a sport we are particularly proud of”.

The 2,000-capacity stadium is designed to host both local and international tournaments, with ₾8.2 million ($2.9 mln) spent from the state budget on design and construction works.