Did Vladimir Mestvirishvili, the architect of India's wrestling resurgence, really pass away at 69?

New Delhi, June 23 (NationPress) Vladimir Mestvirishvili, the Georgian wrestling coach recognized for establishing the groundwork for India's modern wrestling supremacy, has sadly passed away at the age of 69. Mestvirishvili's impact on Indian wrestling is truly monumental. He previously coached the Georgian national team during the Soviet era from 1982 to 1992, where he guided numerous Olympic, World, and European champions before bringing his vast knowledge to India in 2003.

Mestvirishvili was instrumental in shaping the careers of both Sushil Kumar and Yogeshwar Dutt during their early years. Thanks to his mentorship, both athletes qualified for the 2004 Athens Olympics, signaling India's serious commitment to international freestyle wrestling. In total, he coached four Indian wrestlers to Olympic medals.

After dedicating more than a decade to the Indian national team, Mestvirishvili left the organization in 2017. However, his fervor for Indian wrestling remained unwavering. He was invited back by Sushil Kumar to the prestigious Chhatrasal Stadium, the heart of Indian wrestling in Delhi.

At Chhatrasal, he guided a new wave of talent, including Olympic silver medalist Ravi Dahiya, World Championship medalist Deepak Punia, and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Divya Kakran.

Even though he maintained a low profile, Mestvirishvili's influence is profoundly evident in the successes of Indian wrestling over the last two decades. His extensive technical knowledge, discipline rooted in Soviet training, and keen eye for talent made him a highly respected figure among athletes and coaches.

Notable figures such as Olympic bronze medalist Bajrang Punia and rising star Deepak Punia were among those who paid homage to the legendary coach on social media, posting heartfelt tributes and memories of their time with him.

Among the prominent wrestlers he nurtured are two-time Olympic medalist Sushil Kumar, bronze medalists Yogeshwar Dutt and Bajrang Punia, as well as Tokyo Games silver medalist Ravi Dahiya. All of these athletes honed their skills at Chhatrasal Stadium, under Mestvirishvili's expert tutelage. He also coached World Championship medalists like Deepak Punia during his early career.

“It is deeply saddening to learn of the passing of legendary wrestling coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili from Georgia. He was instrumental in coaching Sushil, Yogeshwar, Bajrang, Ravi, Deepak, and many other top Indian wrestlers during their formative years. His dedication and passion were unmatched, and he was dearly loved by everyone. Rest in peace, Vlado,” expressed former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha on X, formerly known as Twitter.