In 2003 government was changed in all spheres in Georgia and sport was not an exception. Members of the governor political party came into force in all federations, started with Georgian Football Federation and finished with Badminton Federation.

Another political party came into force in Georgia since October 1. Changes started in sport. Unfortunately, most of the Georgian politicians do not know much about sport and they think it is easy to head it.

Ministry of Sport is a state in the state. It consists of 50 federations which have presidents, deputies etc. Federation is a public organization and its president is elected. President must hold domestic tournaments, gather national team, depart team for different tournaments, have relationship with foreign federations and many others.

The word “president” sounds very attractive in Georgia. Hopefully when the country will be based on parliamentary system, this word will lose its importance. Being president of federation is not bad but all presidents state the same: “If government does not help us, we can do nothing”.

If the government will do everything, instead of you, why you are the president then.

Recent events caused such talk. It is obvious that there are many presidential candidates in such federations like football and judo. But it is obvious that activists of the current political party are trying to take these positions. What is the difference between the previous and the current governments? Lately Kakha Bekauri was appointed as a president of Shooting Federation. This person was general director of “TV9”. He was chosen unanimously. On Thursday Bekauri stated he was leaving “TV9”. It is surprising why Nino Salukvadze did not participate in the elections. She is one of the most competent in this sport.

The same happened in judo when son of Shota Khabareli and Davit Khakhaleishvili wanted to be president of the federation. In the end Davit Kevkhishvili might become president. Why it is problem. Let Khabareli, Khakhaleishvili and Kevkhishvili participate in the elections and winner would have become president.

The Ministry of Sport must not pay for federations. There must be collaboration between the ministry and federation. When president is elected, he demands financing from the government.

The same situation is in football. They want to create Premier League and demand money from the government. They demand to hold elections and to change president. Competitive elections must be held. People who really feel sorry for sport will show up and they will be elected.

Now about voter subjects. They vote for those people who are favorites of the government and they do not feel responsibility. Conformism is one of the bad things and unfortunately, there are many conformists in Georgian sport.

So, that is why subjects must be chosen before the elections. One person must not be member of executive committees wrestling federation, football federation etc. Two-time world judo champion Temur Khubuluri is not in the executive committee of judo federation.

In short, there are a lot of problems and it is not easy to head sport. The Ministry of Sport is one of the most difficult segments. Now it is important to realize previous mistakes not to state: “What has changed, activists of the governor political party are elected as presidents?” Unfortunately, there are already some signs.

Lasha Tabagari