On February 23 FILA elected as its vice-president Mikhail Mamiashvili, president of the Russian Wrestling Federation. Today he talked to VK about this election and about the development of wrestling in Russia and in the Caucasus in particular.
"It is not my personal achievement, it is an achievement of all our wrestling public. The contribution that Russia made to the task of promoting wrestling and keeping it in the Olympic program, to develop this sport is a work by many lovers of wrestling and professionals who work in the structure of wrestling", said Mamiashvili, commenting on his election as a vice-president of FILA.
Speaking about the development of wrestling in Russia, he said that "the Caucasus has always been famous for its outstanding wrestlers, coaches and schools". He expressed hope that the Caucasus will continue "the great traditions of Ali Aliyev, Degi Bageyev, Soslan Andiyev, Murat Kardanov and many other champions".
According to Mamiashvili, wrestling unites the Caucasus. "For instance, the founder of the wrestling traditions in Azerbaijan was an Armenian, Kasparov, who brought up a line of outstanding wrestlers. Ossetians helped Georgians and Georgians helped Ossetians, great champions, great coaches. So our history is so entangled. We are different in character and mentality, but once we are united by one goal, we are invincible", he said.
