Born on February 28, 1971 in Kutaisi. Judoist (+95kg).

Champion of the XXV Olympic Games (1992 Barcelona), two-fold second-prize winner (1991, 1993) and two-fold third-prize winner (193, 1995) of the World Championship. Three-fold European Champion (1993, +95kg and absolute weight, 1996, +95kg) and a third-prize winner (1990), two-fold World Champion in Sambo (1996, 1997). Champion of the X USSR Peoples Spartakiads (1991) and Champion of the USSR (1991) in Judo, Champion of the CIS (1992). Disqualified from the XXVI Olympic Games (1996, Atlanta) due to late appearance at the weigh-in. recipient of the Vakhtang Gorgasali II class Order.