Sport has always been a part of physical culture in Georgia. Since ancient times, various physical exercises and games have been popular in Georgia: archery, fencing, horse riding, javelin throwing, hunting, tennis, wrestling, and others. The Famous Georgian poem “The Knight in a Panther’s Skin” by Shota Rustaveli, describes the physical training methods of the Georgian knightly class of the Middle Ages, the so-called Georgian wrestling, archery, and horse riding. Leloburti, wrestling, and other mobile folk games were widespread among the peasantry.

Since the 19th century, classical sports like gymnastics, weightlifting, skating, cycling, tennis and football were gaining recognition.

In 1886, a cycling track was built in Georgia, which was one of the oldest sports facilities in the world, and a cycling enthusiasts’ society was formed. In 1900, the first fencing hall was opened in Tbilisi. Fencing is considered the first classical sport in Georgia.

Perhaps over the last many decades, the most popular sport in Georgia is football.

The brightest highlight in the history of Georgian football is 1981, when Dinamo Tbilisi won the European Cup Winners’ Cup final against Carl Zeiss Jena of East Germany.

Dinamo Tbilisi’s historical win became a national celebration. It was something the Georgian nation needed so much, and as a part of the Soviet Union, it really was an unofficial statement of wishing for Independence, desire to be free.

The most outstanding player in the history of independent Georgia, is Kvicha Kvaratskhelia, no doubt. Yet, young talent who already has many achievements, both as an individual and as a team player. He helped the Georgian National Team to qualify for Euro 2024, for the first time in history, won Italian Serie A with Napoli, won French Ligue 1, Coupe De France and Champions League with PSG. Khvicha became the second Georgian player to ever win the Champions League, as retired Georgian player Kakha Kaladze has won the same trophy twice in 2003 and 2007 with Italian AC Milan.

Georgian athletes have always excelled in individual and strength sports. Most of the 55 Olympic medals that Georgian sport individuals have won in all Olympics Games since independence, are obtained in wrestling, judo and weightlifting categories.

Judoka Zurab Zviadauri became the first Olympic champion on behalf of independent Georgia at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games. His success was followed by Georgian weightlifter Giorgi Asanidze’s gold medal in the same competition.

Beijing 2008 bronze medal winner, sport shooter Nino Salukvadze is the first female athlete in history to participate in ten Olympic Games.

Georgian sportsmen continue to achieve success, both locally and internationally. There are many outstanding names representing individual and team sport categories like rugby, basketball, tennis, MMA, water sports, winter sports, autosport, etc.