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Vladimir Mestvirishvili passes away: How the Georgian coach scripted the rise of Indian wrestling

Legendary Georgian coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili passed away at 81. He coached Olympic medallists like Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, Bajrang Punia, and Ravi Dahiya. Mestvirishvili spent two decades of his life roaming in Delhi and Haryana to nurture young talents. Despite his contributions, the WFI never nominated him for any national honours. read more Vladimir Mestvirishvili coached India for two decades and produced four Olympic medallists but never received any honours. Image: WFI Legendary wrestling coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili, who played a big role in making Indian wrestling strong on the world stage, passed away on Monday due to age-related illness. The Georgian coach was 81 years old at the time of his demise. He was fondly called 'Lado' by his Indian pupils, who were mostly from Haryana. Mestvirishvili moved to India in 2003 to begin a journey that would span two decades. That move would change the face of Indian wrestling forever. He worked at the grassroots level in Haryana and Delhi to identify young wrestlers and help them become world-class champions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Mestvirishvili helped India produce four Olympic medallists Many of India's top wrestlers trained under him. Olympic medal winners like Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Bajrang Punia all spent years learning from Mestvirishvili. He also mentored Ravi Dahiya, who won silver at the Tokyo Olympics, and helped world championship medallist Deepak Punia in his early years. Mestvirishvili stepped away from the national team in 2017 but was brought back by Sushil Kumar to Chhatrasal Stadium in Delhi to train the next generation of wrestlers. His students there included big names like Ravi Dahiya, Deepak Punia, and Commonwealth Games medallist Divya Kakran. Reactions pour in for the legendary coach 'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Vladimir Mestvirishvili, the legendary Georgian coach who played a key role in shaping Indian wrestling. His legacy and contribution to the sport will never be forgotten. Rest in peace, Coach,' the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) said in a statement. 'Today, our standing in world wrestling is respectful because of him. He dedicated his life, at least the last two decades of his life, to Indian wrestling,' 2020 Tokyo Olympic bronze medallist Bajrang Punia was quoted as saying by The Indian Express. Yogeshwar Dutt and former Indian hockey captain Viren Rasquinha also 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… — Yogeshwar Dutt (@DuttYogi) June 23, 2025 Very sad to hear of the passing away of legendary wrestling coach Vladimir Mershidivilli of Georgia. He coached Sushil, Yogeshwar, Bajrang, Ravi, Deepak & many other top 🇮🇳 wrestlers during their junior days. He was so dedicated & passionate. Everyone loved him. RIP Vlado ❤️🙏🏽 — Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) June 23, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD