IIS ropes in 3-time Olympic medalist Lasha Shavdatuashvili to conduct judo masterclass 

The Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) has roped in the legendary Lasha Shavdatuashvili to coach around 70 judokas as a part of its Excellence Accelerator Programme. The 32-year-old won in three Olympics, including a gold in London 2012, a bronze in Rio 2016 and a silver in Tokyo 2020. He also has five World Championship medals (two gold and three bronze) to his name.

Apart from that, Shavdatuashvili also bagged medals at the European Games, European Championships, World Masters and IJF Grand Slams.

Lasha is in India from November 25 to 29 for a five-day masterclass for coaches and judokas. The judoka was delighted after having gotten a chance to pass on his wisdom and knowledge to aspiring athletes on Indian soil.

“I consider it a privilege to come to India and share my knowledge with judokas and coaches, who, I believe, will shine, and perform on the international stage in the near future. I am aware that the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS) has been doing a lot for Indian judo for the past few years. This initiative is yet another step in that direction, and I am delighted to be part of it,” Lasha said as per a media release.

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Parth Jindal praises Lasha Shavdatuashvili

Lasha Shavdatuashvili

IIS founder Parth Jindal welcomed Lasha with open arms. He also talked about the growth of judo in India ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics, which is set to be held in 2028.

“India had just one judoka at the Paris Olympics, and we need to work to change that at LA 2028. Bringing an athlete of Lasha’s stature down to India to help our judokas and our coaches is just one of the many interventions we will lead to make India’s judo programme a success,” Jindal said.

In Paris, India only had Tulika Maan as a participant in judo. Tulika crashed out in the opening round after losing to Cuba’s Idalys Ortiz.