Owing to the decision of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia, the President of the Georgian Fencing Federation, the Honored Coach of Georgia - Merab Bazadze, was awarded the highest title of the state in the field of sports – the Knighthood in Sports.

Merab Bazadze was awarded the title of Knighthood and the corresponding medal by the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia - Mikheil Chkhenkeli at a ceremony held on August 18 at the newly renovated fencing hall named after Olympic champion Nugzar Asatiani.

Merab Bazadze was awarded the title for his special contribution to the development of fencing in Georgia.

The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia Mikheil Chkhenkeli: “It is a special honor for me today to award Merab Bazadze with the title of a Knight.

Mr. Bazadze has really made a special contribution to the development of Georgian fencing, years ago as a successful fencer, and in later years as a coach of the national team and the trainer of many successful athletes, and today as the head of the Fencing Federation.

It is symbolic that Mr. Bazadze was awarded the title in the newly renovated fencing hall, which is named after the legendary Georgian fencer, Olympic and world champion - Nugzar Asatiani. Nugzar Asatiani became the Olympic champion in 1964 in Tokyo and we hope that the postponed 2021 Olympic Games, which is also hosted by Tokyo, will be successful for our fencers. I am sure that great victories await you, especially considering the great traditions of Georgian fencing.

The Minister, together with Deputy Shalva Gogoladze, representatives of the Federation and veteran fencers, inspected the fully rehabilitated fencing hall and attended the demonstration training of the members of the Georgian national team.

It should be noted that the Tbilisi Fencing Hall has been completely renovated. The gymnasium was renovated and improved, the dressing rooms and showers were renovated, and the outer façade of the hall was decorated with Olympic symbols and the "Olympic Musketeers" memorial.

The Fencing Federation with the help of the Ministry also received new inventory, which by the decision of the Federation was transferred to fencing schools in different regions of Georgia, including Adjara and Guria, as well as the cities of Kutaisi and Zestaponi.