Born on 20.11.1927, Ganiri, Samtredia. Free-style wrestler (73 kg).

Two-fold world champion (1954, 1957) and a second-prize winner (1959). Third-prize winner of the XVI Olympic games (1956 Melbourne), participant of the XVII Olympics (1960, Rome – XI place). Five-fold champion of the USSR (1952-1955, 1957), second-prize winner of the I and II USSR Peoples Spartakiads (1956, 1959).  The USSR champion (1952) and a second-prize winner (1951) in Sambo. Winner of the International Youth Games (1953). Honored master of sports of the USSR, honored trainer of the USSR, referee of higher category. Honored citizen of Tbilisi. Awarded FILAorder, the Order of Honor and the Vakhtang Gorgasali IIIclass order.