Mikheil Kavelashvili, upon the recommendation of Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze and Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, awarded representatives of the National Basketball Federation and members of the national team with the Order of Victory named after Saint George, the Order of Honor, and the Medal of Honor. This information was released by Kavelashvili’s press office.

According to the statement, the awards ceremony was held at the Presidential Palace and attended by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, Minister of Sports Shalva Gogoladze, representatives of the Basketball Federation, and members of the national team.

Mikheil Kavelashvili addressed the athletes, saying that all the success they achieved through dedication, tireless training, and fighting spirit stemmed from teamwork and love for the country. He thanked them on behalf of the entire Georgian nation.

"I wish you great success at the European Championship. I know that preparations begin tomorrow. All of Georgia stands behind you. You are role models for our youth, and I thank you for that. I understand how much hard work goes into achieving these results, and how important sporting achievements are for our small country – they influence the atmosphere in every area of life. I’m confident you always give your maximum, and I believe that nothing is impossible. I wish you even greater success at the European Championship,” said the President.

Kavelashvili also highlighted the Prime Minister’s initiative to develop sports infrastructure across the entire country, calling it especially important.

The State Awards of Georgia were presented to members of the Basketball Federation and national team for the first time in the country’s history, in recognition of their qualification for the FIBA Basketball World Cup, being ranked among the top 16 national teams globally, and for earning the opportunity to compete for the sixth time in the European Basketball Championship.

Specifically:

For their exceptional contribution to Georgia's victory, the Order of Victory named after Saint George was awarded to:

Giorgi Shermadini, Tornike Shengelia.

For outstanding service in state-building, sports achievements, and honorable conduct, the Order of Honor was awarded to:

Viktor Sanikidze, Lasha Gamkrelidze, Davit Sakvarelidze, Vladimir Boisa, Nikoloz Tskitishvili, Rati Andronikashvili, Mikheil Berishvili, Beka Bekaure, Goga Bitadze, Beka Burjanadze, Nikoloz Gaprindashvili, Davit Kakushadze, Giorgi Korsantia, Luka Liklikadze, Ilia Londaridze, Luka Maziashvili, Giorgi Ochkhikidze, Revaz Rogava, Duda Sanadze, Sandro Sanadze, Giorgi Turdziladze, Aleksandre Phevadzé, Otar Pkhakadze, Kakha Jincharaadze, Aleksandre Irakli Mamukelashvili, Thaddus DeWayne McFadden, Mate Khatiashvili, Kameron Malik Baldwin, Joseph Elliott (Junior) Thomasson.

For outstanding contribution to state-building, sports achievements, and honorable service, the Medal of Honor was presented to: Givi Sanadze, Paata Lobzhanidze, Tornike Gogichaishvili, Teimuraz Khvedelidze, Zurab Suleimanishvili, Biagio Di Giorgio Gianito, Giorgi Butskhrikidze, Paata Guraspauli, Nino Guruli, Giorgi Zabakidze, Tatia Miminoshvili, Tamar Ruadze, Nino Khutsishvili, Irakli Pertaia, Luka Tsitaishvili, Giorgi Gachechiladze, Ketevan Kekelia, Irina Somova, Tatia Batsiashvili, Shalva Oniani, — according to the statement.