Zurab Talakavadze

2nd of July belonged to us, Sport Journalists. The International day of Sports Journalists Association was hailed, celebrated and remembered in style in Tbilisi, Georgia.  

And, what a day it was!

The opening of the ceremony was accompanied by a speech by Gianni Merlo, the president of the International Association of Sports Journalists (AIPS). Mister Merlo has always been a great friend and supporter of Georgian Sports Journalists Association and AIPS president wished his Georgian colleagues all the best.

The main supporter, sponsor of the event was the Ministry of Sports. The host – company Adjarabet Arena.

Each event has the honor to be represented by special co-hosts and this day belonged to the president of Georgian Sports Journalists’ Association Grigol Gventsadze, members of the respected executive committee Magda Kldiashvili and Lasha Goduadze, as well as our dear colleague Nino Tvalavadze.

Now, lets move on to the main stage.

And, the winners were…

Mikheil Kakabadze prize (for special contribution to sports journalism) – Mamuka Kvaratskhelia and Koba Inasaridze.

Nodar Gugushvili prize – to the ageless wonder Archil Gogelia.

Kote Makharadze prize – Gia Tvalabeishvili (Public Broadcasting Company).

Erosi Manjgaladze prize – Giorgi Darjania, a sports program presenter at TV Pirveli.

Guram Tikanadze prize (photojournalism) – Khatia Jijeishvili as she was selected for her great work at Football Euro 2024 and the last Olympic Games in all.

The unforgettable evening ended effectively, amicably and elegantly.

The day belonged to us, Sports Journalists.

Giga Gventsadze, Minister of Sports of Georgia Shalva Gogoladze, President of the National Olympic Committee of Georgia legendary champion Leri Khabelov, Vice President of the Georgian Sports Journalists Association Bidzina Baratashvili (a crafter in his own field), First Deputy Minister of Sports Irakli Medzmariashvili and Director of Adjarabet Arena Tsotne Chankotadze presented the prizes and diplomas to the laureates.

And, the ceremony also had a lot of famous guests. Among them were Giorgi Shermadini, one of the stars of the Georgian National basketball team, Eteri Liparteliani, the best female athlete of 2024 in Georgia (judo), Giorgi Dikhaminjia, one of the leaders of the volleyball team,  the head coach of the weightlifting team, Olympic champion, a titan Giorgi Asanidze, and Ramaz Svanadze, the head coach of the Georgian youth football team, a star in the makng.

So long, dear colleagues!