Vladimir Mestvirishvili passes away: How the Georgian coach scripted the rise of Indian wrestling
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Legendary Georgian coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili handed away at 81. He coached Olympic medallists like Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, Bajrang Punia, and Ravi Dahiya. Mestvirishvili spent 20 years of his life roaming in Delhi and Haryana to nurture younger skills. Regardless of his contributions, the WFI by no means nominated him for any nationwide honours.
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Legendary wrestling coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili, who performed an enormous function in making Indian wrestling sturdy on the world stage, handed away on Monday on account of age-related sickness. The Georgian coach was 81 years outdated on the time of his demise. He was fondly known as ‘Lado’ by his Indian pupils, who had been principally from Haryana.
Mestvirishvili moved to India in 2003 to start a journey that may span 20 years. That transfer would change the face of Indian wrestling without end. He labored on the grassroots stage in Haryana and Delhi to establish younger wrestlers and assist them develop into world-class champions.
Mestvirishvili helped India produce 4 Olympic medallists
Lots of India’s prime wrestlers educated below him. Olympic medal winners like Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Bajrang Punia all spent years studying from Mestvirishvili. He additionally mentored Ravi Dahiya, who gained silver on the Tokyo Olympics, and helped world championship medallist Deepak Punia in his early years.
Mestvirishvili stepped away from the nationwide group in 2017 however was introduced again by Sushil Kumar to Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi to coach the following era of wrestlers. His college students there included huge names like Ravi Dahiya, Deepak Punia, and Commonwealth Video games medallist Divya Kakran.
Reactions pour in for the legendary coach
“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Vladimir Mestvirishvili, the legendary Georgian coach who performed a key function in shaping Indian wrestling. His legacy and contribution to the game won’t ever be forgotten. Relaxation in peace, Coach,” the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) stated in a press release.
“Right this moment, our standing in world wrestling is respectful due to him. He devoted his life, no less than the final 20 years of his life, to Indian wrestling,” 2020 Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia was quoted as saying by The Indian Categorical.
Yogeshwar Dutt and former Indian hockey captain Viren Rasquinha additionally paid their tributes to the legendary coach.
भारतीय कुश्ती को शिखर तक पहुचाने में अहम भूमिका निभाने वाले जॉर्जियन कोच व्लादमिर जी के निधन का दुखद समाचार मेरे लिए निजी आघात है।
उनके द्वारा हमारे देश के पहलवानों को लंबे समय तक दिए कुश्ती के तकनीकी गुर आज भी हम सबके लिए ज्ञानवर्धक हैं।
ईश्वर उनकी आत्मा को अपने श्री चरणों में… pic.twitter.com/Ory4Iaz3rF
— Yogeshwar Dutt (@DuttYogi) June 23, 2025
Very unhappy to listen to of the passing away of legendary wrestling coach Vladimir Mershidivilli of Georgia. He coached Sushil, Yogeshwar, Bajrang, Ravi, Deepak & many different prime 🇮🇳 wrestlers throughout their junior days. He was so devoted & passionate. Everybody liked him. RIP Vlado ❤️🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/9dPTW48OSh
— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) June 23, 2025
