Alongside the European Championship, the presentation of Vano Grikurov’s book “In the Shadow of the Stars” was held
21 April, 2026
Alongside the European Championship, the presentation of Vano Grikurov’s book “In the Shadow of the Stars” was held.
A coach of world-class caliber is rare not only in Georgia but worldwide. Fortunately, Georgia had Vano Grikurov—a truly globally significant coach who raised numerous Olympians and champions.
The book, on which Vano Grikurov worked for many years, is dedicated to athletes and coaches, and to the great effort they invest on the path to success. Sadly, the honored coach did not live to see its publication. However, his wish and idea were brought to life by his students, Olympic champions Kakhi Kakhiashvili and Giorgi Asanidze.
In addition to his protégés Kakhi Kakhiashvili, Giorgi Asanidze, and Arsen Kasabiev, the presentation was attended by the President of the Georgian Weightlifting Federation, Lasha Talakhadze, as well as participants of the European Championship. The Polish national team was represented by a particularly large delegation, as it had been led for years by Vano Grikurov.
Among those present were Vano Grikurov’s children, the President of the European Weightlifting Federation Astrid Hasani, Georgia’s Minister of Sport Shalva Gogoladze, his Deputy Irakli Medzmariashvili, the Head of the Sports Department of the Ministry Irakli Dolaberidze, the President of the National Olympic Committee Leri Khabelov and Vice President Anzor Chubinidze, the Minister of Education and Sports of Adjara Maia Khajishvili and her Deputy Irakli Abuladze, as well as other distinguished guests.
Georgia’s Minister of Sport Shalva Gogoladze expressed his desire for the book to be translated into English, so that everyone would have the opportunity to become acquainted with the work of a world-class coach.
The President of the Georgian Weightlifting Federation, Lasha Talakhadze, supported this idea and noted that many weightlifters would find the book highly interesting.
It is also noteworthy that the President of the European Weightlifting Federation, Astrid Hasani, expressed her willingness to support the publication of the book in English.
