Varlam Liparteliani bows out to judo

During the third day of competition of the Tbilisi Grand Slam 2024, the Georgian public had the joy of celebrating the end of Varlam Liparteliani end of career. Liparteliani bowed out to this environment which brought him so much and to which he gave so much. Silver medalist at Rio 2016, three times world vice-champion, for six world podia overall, and three times European champion for ten continental medals, we never stop drawing up the list of Varlam Liparteliani's awards. Still ranked 27th in the world, although he occupied a much higher rank, and a member of the IJF Athletes' Commission, 'Lipo' is an important figure in world judo.

For the main person concerned, the moment is special, "I am very emotional. It's somehow a beautiful day but at the same time, I am also a bit sad inside. This is not an easy decision to take to stop what you have been doing for so many years but I think it is time to stop. I am too old now for the highest level and the new generation is pushing hard. I wish them all the best. Lipo's era is over. I want now to concentrate on my family, I want to stay, but be sure that I want to stay in judo, simply because judo is my life."

The president of the Georgian Judo Federation, Giorgi Atabegashvili, said of him, "Varlam Liparteliani made an important contribution to the recent success and development of Georgian judo. His career is priceless, he is a true role model for future generations. Over the years, he served the sport honestly, he is a worthy son of our country. I deeply believe that he can do a lot of positive good for the development of Georgian and world judo. Thank you on behalf of the entire federation, we love you Lipo."