Archive · 27 Jan 2026
Vladimir Mestvirishvili Honored with Padma Shri
Vladimir Mestvirishvili was a famous wrestling coach from Georgia who moved to India in 2003.
He helped Indian wrestlers win many medals in big competitions like the Olympics.
Even though he passed away in 2025, he was given a special award called the Padma Shri in 2026 for his hard work and dedication to Indian wrestling.
Many famous wrestlers, like Yogeshwar Dutt and Bajrang Punia, learned from him and became very successful.
This award is a big honor for him and shows how much he did for Indian wrestling.
Vladimir Mestvirishvili, a Georgian wrestling coach, was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri in 2026.
He dedicated the last two decades of his life to improving Indian wrestling.
Mestvirishvili coached Olympic and World medalists, including Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Bajrang Punia.
He never received the Dronacharya Award during his lifetime but was honored with the Padma Shri posthumously.
Mestvirishvili continued to train wrestlers in India even after his official contract ended, working at Chhatrasal Stadium in New Delhi.
- Who
- Vladimir Mestvirishvili, a Georgian wrestling coach who dedicated his life to Indian wrestling.
- What
- He was posthumously awarded the Padma Shri, India's fourth-highest civilian honor.
- When
- The award was announced on January 25, 2026, for his contributions to Indian wrestling.
- Where
- He worked in India, primarily at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) center in Sonipat and Chhatrasal Stadium in New Delhi.
- Why
- He significantly improved India's standing in world wrestling, coaching multiple Olympic and World medalists.
- Name
- Vladimir Mestvirishvili
- Nationality
- Georgian
- Award
- Padma Shri (posthumously)
- Year of Award
- 2026
- Field of Contribution
- Wrestling
- Notable Achievements
- Coached Olympic and World medalists in India
- Passing Year
- 2025
