Commission Does Not Support Calls for Judo Federation President Resignation

The Commission created by the Ministry of Culture and Sport of Georgia examined complaints brought by the Georgian National Judo Team against the Judo Federation President David Kevkhishvili, and expressed support for the beleagured president.

The information was released by the Minister of Culture and Sport, Mikheil Giorgadze.

“We see no grounds for the resignation of Kevkhishvili. We call on both sides to sit at the table and negotiate by the mediation of the commission,” Giorgadze announced.

Shota Khabareli, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Sports Committee, disagrees with the decision of the sports commission, and he left the May 29 session in protest.

Khabareli shares the position of judokas who are demanding Davit Kevkhishvili's resignation. Khabareli says there are too many questions about the Judo Federation President’s activities, adding he has to resign.

However, Mikheil Kavelashvili, the Chairman of the Sports Committee, said that the Commission on Judo Issues could not find any irregularities that may have led to the resignation of the President of the Federation. He disagreed with his deputy and supports Kevkhishvili.

The members of Georgia's national Judo Team held a protest rally at the old building of Parliament on Rustaveli Avenue on May 28. They have been protesting since May 4.

The sportsmen claim Kevkhishvili has failed to fulfill his duties and cannot establish effective communication with the sportsmen or the coaches. They also say he misuses federation funds.

Judokas are refusing to train or participate in international competitions until Kevkhishvili resigns.

By Thea Morrison

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