Born on March 29, 1929 in Batumi. Greco-Roman style wrestler (79 kg.).

Champion of the XVI Olympic Games (1956, Melbourne), third-prize winner of the XVII Olympics (1960, Rome), three-fold World Champion (1953, 1955, 1958), winner of the World Cup (1956), Winner of the World Student Games (1951), four-fold Champion of the USSR (1952-1955). He was the first among Georgian athletes who earned World Champion's title. Best Athlete of Georgia in the XX Century (Silver prize). Honored Master of Sports of the USSR, Commander of the Vakhtang Gorgasali II and III class orders, the IWA order and the Order of Honor. Died in April 3, 1998.