"Georgia will honor Kwaracheliya with a prestigious state award due to their triumph in the Champions League"
In a historic move, three prominent sports figures from Georgia are set to receive the prestigious Order of St. George, a high state award in the country. The recipients are footballer Kvaratskhelia, former footballer Kakha Kaladze, and basketball player Zaza Pachulia.
Kvaratskhelia, currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has had an impressive season. He was named the best player of Serie A in the 2022/23 season, having also led Napoli to the championship in Italy. His achievements don't stop there; he has previously won the French championship and cup, as well as the Champions League with PSG. His impressive performance earned him the Order of Honor last year for his achievements with the national team.
Kvaratskhelia's journey to success didn't start in Europe. He began his career in Russia, playing for Kazan "Rubin" and Moscow "Lokomotiv." His transfer to Napoli in 2022 cost €10 million.
Kakha Kaladze, another recipient, is a former footballer who won the Champions League twice with "Milan" in 2004 and 2007. He retired from football in May 2012 and entered politics, currently serving as the mayor of Tbilisi and the general secretary of "Georgian Dream."
Zaza Pachulia, the former captain of the Georgian national basketball team, will also be awarded the Order of St. George for winning the NBA championship twice with the "Golden State Warriors." Pachulia retired from basketball in 2019 and returned to the "Golden State" as a consultant.
The awards will be presented to Kvaratskhelia, Kaladze, and Pachulia at a government meeting, though the specific date for the presentation has not been specified. This is not the first time athletes have received high state awards for their sports achievements in Georgia. However, the exact list of recipients is not widely documented.
The Order of Victory named after St. George, the award these athletes will receive, is a significant contribution to the country's victory. Established by the Parliament of Georgia in 2004, it is traditionally given to athletes who achieve great success. The first Order of Victory named after St. George was presented to George W. Bush in 2005.
While the Order of St. George is historically associated with the Russian Empire and later Russia, awarding it in Georgia signifies a recognition of the athletes' outstanding achievements and contributions to Georgian sports.
- Kvaratskhelia, the footballer currently playing for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), not only excelled in the 2022/23 European league by being named the best player of Serie A and leading Napoli to the championship, but he also previously won the Champions League with PSG, adding a new title to his European-league achievements.
- Zaza Pachulia, the former captain of the Georgian national basketball team, is set to receive the Order of St. George for his significant contributions to Georgian sports, a recognition that comes after his victories in the NBA, where he won the championship twice with the "Golden State Warriors."
