The Prime Minister of Georgia said in the interview to Imedi TV that the annual funding for sports had quadrupled since 2012, contributing to “achievements across various disciplines”, and pointed to a GEL 2 billion programme for sports infrastructure development in the country.

“The increase in funding is not just a coincidence, the country had its first achievements in all kinds of sports 30 years after the state regained its independence. The Georgian Dream had announced the programme for sports infrastructure development.

Our Government has ambitious plans to host the UEFA Champions League final in the country by 2028. One of the most important promises from the party’s election pledges is to build a new, ultra-modern stadium in Tbilisi, designed in British style, with a capacity of 70,000 spectators, to meet international standards set by FIFA and UEFA.

The facility would serve as a significant asset for Georgian sports fans. We see a growing demand for sports, particularly among children. The existing infrastructure is struggling to meet the trend. The Government plans to develop multifunctional sports complexes and improve facilities in both urban and rural areas to address it.

Multifunctional sports complexes will be one of the prominent components of the programme. Sports fields, stadiums, and more - a very large investment will be made in all directions”, - said Irakli Kobakhidze.

He also underlined achievements made by the country’s athletes, with the national football team’s qualification for this year’s European Championship, the basketball squad’s participation in the FIBA Basketball World Cup, water polo players’ advancement to the World and European Championships, etc.