On August 17 Georgian fencer N. Shengelia was the first among Georgian youth Olympic team members to take the start at the YOG Nanjing 2014. He is just 15 years old, the youngest not only among the participating athletes but among the fencers as well. The fact that Nika became eligible for the Nanjing 2014 YOG was already the great achievement from his side. The fencer has convincingly gained victory over his opponents from the United States, Argentina and Greece revealing sportive spirit in 1/8 ranking among the best 8 athletes. Finally, he lost with the world champion, Russian ivan Ilyin, but noteworthy is that the aforementioned Greek and American fencers defeated by Georgian were the second and third prizewinners of the World Championships.

"Nika‘s competition was a pleasant surprise for all of us. Although he failed to obtain the place among the top, but he can't be blamed for that, as no one expected medals from him. He is definitely a talented athlete and I am confident he will strive in future for higher pursuits. The team is in general in good spirits and of course we expect medals. As far as the organizational aspect of the YOG is concerned, this is another big surprise for us. Chinese people are experts in hosting wide scale sport forums in which I was convinced during 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, but what I saw here was beyond expectations- excellent Olympic Village, high level sport venues, good catering, on-time transportation, etc. In short, you will feel yourself at the big Olympic Games"- says Georgian NOC First Vice President E. Berishvili.