Chidaoba Back in Public Scrutiny Again
Georgian National Style of Wrestling, Chidaoba, Gains Momentum Towards Global Recognition
The Georgian traditional wrestling style, Chidaoba, is regaining prominence following a conference held in the village of Shilda in the Kvareli Municipality. The event, organized under the auspices of the Georgian National Federation of Chidaoba, attracted coaches, referees, Federation members, sports education managers, and fans alike to discuss the future development of Chidaoba, both in Sakartvelo and globally.
Notably, UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list now includes Chidaoba, marking it as one of the latest four nominees. This recognition serves to preserve and protect this valuable tradition that risks disappearing, while also promoting cultural diversity.
The Rector of the University of Sports, Professor Tristan Gulbiani, addressed participants, underscoring Chidaoba's role as an integral part of Georgian identity. He highlighted its influence on Georgia's athletes in other Olympic events, as well as its potential for global recognition.
Starting from the upcoming school year, Chidaoba will be introduced as a separate specialized discipline in the curriculum. Additionally, an Academy of Chidaoba has been founded, offering certified courses in coaching and refereeing.
Giorgi (Gia) Shiukashvili, General Secretary of the Federation, introduced the internationally tested club system in sports, already operational in numerous countries. Chidaoba clubs serve to teach this wrestling style to youth of various nationalities.
Foreign participants shared their enthusiasm for the realistic possibility of making Chidaoba an internationally recognized sporting event. Davit Tabatadze, along with his father Temur, founder of a Chidaoba school in America, is ready to open a Chidaoba club in Philadelphia, promoting interaction between Georgian and American youth.
Umberto Giovanni, the Italian guest of the conference, spoke of Chidaoba's simplicity and uniqueness, expressing plans to establish a Chidaoba club in Italy. The conference concluded with discussions on rules, evaluation systems, and attire, with plans to form two groups under the leadership of the Federation to focus on Chidaoba attire and rules and regulations.
The Shilda Conference, moderated by the President of the National Federation of Chidaoba, Temur Khubuluri, and supported by Yuri Imerlishvili and Tamaz Gogibedashvili, serves as a significant step towards achieving global recognition for this Georgian national treasure. With diligent efforts, we may one day witness Chidaoba competing on the Olympic stage, much like Judo, once just a Japanese tradition, now a prominent sporting event worldwide.
Education and self-development in Chidaoba wrestling is underway with the introduction of Chidaoba as a separate specialized discipline in the upcoming school curriculum. Sports and sports-analysis are also being incorporated through the establishment of the Academy of Chidaoba, offering certified courses in coaching and refereeing.
