Cooperation Between Georgia and WADA Enters a New Phase

Georgia’s Minister of Sport, Shalva Gogoladze, held a working meeting with representatives of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

The WADA delegation included Sébastien Gillot, Director of the European Office and Sport Movement Relations; Ieva Lukosiute-Stanikuniene, Senior Manager for NADO/RADO Relations; and Stefan Trinks, Manager for Government and NADO Relations in Europe.

The parties discussed key priorities for the further development of Georgia’s anti-doping system, the importance of government support and opportunities to deepen international cooperation with WADA.

Particular attention was given to the establishment of the Georgian Anti-Doping Control and Education Agency, its role and the importance of safeguarding its institutional independence. It was emphasised that a strong and independent national anti-doping organisation operating in accordance with international standards is essential for developing a clean and fair sporting environment.

The participants also discussed integrating anti-doping education into sports schools, sports federations and Olympic programmes. Emphasis was placed on raising awareness among athletes, coaches, medical professionals and other athlete support personnel to ensure a better understanding of their rights, responsibilities and obligations under anti-doping rules.

The discussion also covered strengthening the national testing programme, developing the professional capacity of personnel involved in doping control and ensuring appropriate anti-doping support for international sporting events hosted in Georgia.

The parties expressed their readiness to continue close cooperation to support the sustainable development of Georgia’s anti-doping system, the effective implementation of international standards and the promotion of clean sport principles.

The meeting was also attended by First Deputy Minister of Sport Irakli Medzmariashvili, Deputy Minister Irakli Dolaberidze, President of the Georgian Anti-Doping Control and Education Agency Khatuna Saganelidze, and members of the Agency’s staff.