Nugzari TSURTSUMIA (GEO), the 2019 world champion in Greco-Roman wrestling, has passed away at the age of 27 in his hometown of Khobi, Georgia. The wrestling community is mourning his loss and paying tribute to his incredible career.
Tsurtsumia had a successful career at the international level, winning medals at numerous tournaments. At the Budapest Ranking Series in June, he won a bronze medal in the Greco-Roman 55kg weight class, adding to his previous silver and two bronze medals at the World Championships. He also won four medals at the European Championships, including a silver and three bronzes.
Tsurtsumia was successful at the age group level as well, earning medals at various European Championships. He won bronze at the U17 level, gold and two bronzes at the U20 level, and two golds at the U23 level. At the age-group World Championships, he was the U23 world champion in 2018 and won silver and bronze medals at the U20 level.
One of Tsurtsumia’s greatest achievements was his victory at the 2019 World Championships in Nursultan, where he became Georgia’s first world champion in wrestling since 2007. He dominated his opponents with ease, outscoring them 34-3 in four bouts to claim gold for Georgia.
United World Wrestling and other wrestling organizations are deeply saddened by Tsurtsumia’s passing and have expressed their condolences to his family during this difficult time. His impact on Georgian wrestling will be felt for years to come as he is remembered as one of their greatest athletes who brought glory to their country on an international stage.