“Today, with the strong support of the state, Georgian sports have unprecedented opportunities. This support guarantees that the Georgian flag will always fly high and our anthem will be heard repeatedly in the world’s largest sports arenas,” said Shalva Gogoladze, Minister of Sports of Georgia, at the 2025 Best Athlete Award ceremony.

Gogoladze expressed pride in every athlete representing Georgia internationally.

“Today is a special day—a day when the state recognizes those who carry the name of Georgia with dignity on the world stage. Through their hard work, determination, and sacrifice, they prove that Georgia is strong not only in words but also in deeds. I would like to thank Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, whose political will and decision to establish the Ministry of Sports as an independent agency sent a clear message: sport, athletes, and national success are a top priority for the state. This vision has allowed us to restore the tradition of awarding the best athlete of the year.

Since January 1, 2025, the Ministry of Sports has operated independently. Today, as a united sports family, we celebrate a year of achievements, victories, and national pride. Every emotion we feel when we hear the Georgian anthem at international competitions belongs to you—our athletes, coaches, doctors, teams, and federations. You embody our country’s dignity, character, and spirit. With each victory, the world sees the strength, perseverance, and faith of the Georgian people.

In 2025, Georgian athletes won a record 1,935 medals, including 752 golds. Georgia now has 752 champions, 610 vice-champions, and 753 bronze medalists. These results reflect both the state’s support and the dedication of our athletes. Georgia hosted 21 international tournaments, including “Bakuriani 2025” and the Youth Olympic Festival, recognized as the best Olympic festival in history. Events such as the World Fencing Championship, World MMA Championship, and the first Georgian Wrestling World Championship strengthen Georgia’s international authority and showcase our ability to host world-class sports events.

We are proud of UFC champions Ilia Topuria and Merab Dvalishvili, as well as footballer Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the first Georgian to be named the best young player of the Champions League season and ranked among the top ten in the FIFA World Player of the Year awards.

Developing sports requires modern infrastructure. By the Prime Minister’s decision, multifunctional sports complexes, football, and rugby bases will be built across Georgia over the next four years, with more than two billion GEL allocated—an historic investment for future generations, a healthy nation, and numerous victories.

In conclusion, I thank every Ministry of Sports employee working selflessly. I am confident that together, with the unity of the state and athletes, we will continue creating the history of Georgian sports,” Gogoladze said.