The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Georgia expresses sorrow over the death of a great Georgian handball player Jemal Tsertsvadze and condoles the family and friends of the deceased. Georgian and World Handball Maestro, Jemal Tsertsvadze, known as "Handball Pale" died at the age of 79.

Jemal Tsertsvadze played handball at Tbilisi's "Buriesnatnik" (1958-75) and the USSR team (1959-72). He was two-time champion of the USSR CUP (1962, 64). He won ten World Cup championships between the years of 1962-71), and was recognized as the most technical player of that decade. Additionally, he was included in the symbolic team of the world three times in a row. Furthermore, he played 78 matches, and scored 276 goals for the USSR team. The "Handball Pele" moniker was bestowed at the Swedish World Championship (1967) due to his phenomenal techniques, dizzy fixtures and moves.

Funeral will be held on January 31, at 14:00, at the old sports palace of Tbilisi.