On 12 July 2025, the International Kakhi Kakhiashvili Cup gathered elite weightlifters from Azerbaijan, Turkey, Armenia, Bahrain, Romania, Uzbekistan, and host nation Georgia for a day of strong performances and mutual respect for three-time Olympic champion Kakhi Kakhiashvili.
Born on 13 July 1969 in Tskhinvali (GEO), Kakhiashvili won Olympic gold in Barcelona 1992, Atlanta 1996, and Sydney 2000. He also claimed European titles in 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, and three Senior World Championships: 1995, 1998, and 1999.
Saturday’s event honored this remarkable person while offering current athletes a high-level event of the 2025 season.
Top 12 — Sinclair Points
Rank | Athlete | Nation | Sinclair pts |
1 | Gor Minasiani | Bahrain | 446.298 |
2 | Revaz Davitadze | Georgia | 443.489 |
3 | Isa Rustamov | Azerbaijan | 442.410 |
4 | Louis Muniel Lauret Rodriguez | Romania | 436.379 |
5 | Yusup Fehmi Genç | Turkey | 436.129 |
6 | Dadash Dadashbaili | Azerbaijan | 432.059 |
7 | Zurab Mskhaladze | Georgia | 431.631 |
8 | Rafik Harutiniani | Armenia | 427.781 |
9 | Saba Asanidze | Georgia | 425.077 |
10 | Not Aganiani | Sokmeti | 424.729 |
11 | Irakli Gobejishvili | Georgia | 424.218 |
12 | Goderdzi Berdelidze | Georgia | 422.062 |
The Opening ceremony was led by Lasha Talahadze, a three-time Olympic champion and President of the Georgian Weightlifting Federation.
Mohammed Jalood, IWF President, expressed his admiration for the achievements of Kakhi Kakhiasvili, but also the entire Georgian weightlifting federation, congratulating them on the numerous medals and successes.
EWF President Dr Astrit Hasani and EWF General Secretary Dr Milan Mihajlovic presented on behalf of EWF, handcrafted gift to legendary Kakhi Kakhiashvili. Eleiko representatives presented a gold-plated competition bar, and delegations from each nation commemorative items.
EWF President stated: “Happy Birthday to the legendary Kakhi Kakhashvili a true icon in our weightlifting family. The Kakhi Cup stands as a powerful tribute to his legacy, inspiring new generations to pursue strength, discipline, and excellence. A lot of people came here in Georgia to celebrate a champion, both on and off the platform!”
Before the competition began, Denise Offerman led an Anti-doping seminar that provided athletes and coaches with up-to-date guidance on clean sport practices.
Earlier in the day, Georgian Minister of Sports Mr. Shalva Gogoladze welcomed senior international officials to discuss the 2026 European Weightlifting Championships, set for Batumi next April—the city’s second time hosting after a highly praised 2019 edition. Attendees included:
- Mr Mohammed Jalood, IWF President
- Dr Astrit Hasani, EWF President
- Mr Lasha Talakhadze, President, Georgian Weightlifting Federation
- Mr Kakhi Kakhiashvili and Mr Irakli Turmanidze, GWF Vice‑Presidents
- Ms Rusudan Muradashvili, GWF General Secretary
- Mr Giorgi Asanidze, Head Coach, Georgian National Team
- Dr Milan Mihajlovic, EWF General Secretary
Discussions covered preparations for Batumi 2026, pathways for developing weightlifting in Georgia, and expanded international collaboration. Minister Gogoladze also congratulated Mr Kakhiashvili on his recent appointment as Advisor to the IWF President.
The successful staging of the International Kakhi Kakhiashvili Cup strengthens Georgia’s reputation as a trusted organizer of major weightlifting events and sets a positive tone for the European Championships next year.