He is still busy, he is training at home. But he has time for us, time to make a fast interview. Just a few questions.
Varlam Liparteliani

How are you? How is your family?

We are fine. Everything is ok so far. We are at home, self-isolating of course.

Where are you now?

Tbilisi

What do you do to be in good shape, despite confinement?

I ride the bicycle and also have some equipment at home. The thing is that I had surgery in Germany in February, on my birthday. It came out of nowhere, I had an infection in my arm. So after that for 6 weeks I was on antibiotics and was not allowed to train at all. So basically I am just getting back, step by step.

Which judo values are helping you these days?

Respect is for me very important. With the isolation I think we must respect the recommendations of health organisations, even if it is long and not easy for everyone. Of course love is what makes us stronger.

What do you miss ?

The thing I miss most is the tatami and I think the first thing I will do after this is over will be training on the mat.

What was your first thought when you heard about Tokyo 2020 being postponed?

It was very hard to realise what was happening. I was confused, had different feelings. Also because of my surgery I might not have been in perfect shape but still it was unbelievable. The Olympic Games is something that is not easy to treat like other things.

See also
Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
As the Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam Comes to an End, Everyone Celebrates its Success

10. May. 2026 / The last day of competition at the Qazaqstan Barysy ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
+100 kg: Tasoev’s Unequivocal Domination of the Heavyweights

10. May. 2026 / The heavyweight men’s category was set to close the ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
+78 kg: Startseva Wins in an Unpredictable Category

10. May. 2026 / The women’s heavyweight category at the Qazaqstan ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-100 kg: Baikamurov Raises the Host Nation Flag on the Last Day in Kazakhstan

10. May. 2026 / Vadim Ghimbovschi (MDA) had an uphill climb on his ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-78 kg: Olek and Boehm Continue the German Race

10. May. 2026 / The -78 kg category has long included German representatives ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-90 kg: Rutovic Delivers Open and Powerful Judo in Astana

10. May. 2026 / Serbian teen sensation Boris Rutovic exceeded all expectations ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
The Preliminaries in Astana - Day Three

10. May. 2026 / The third and final day of competition in Kazakhstan’s ...

Coach Stories
Mark Van Der Ham: Learning as a Team

10. May. 2026 / The Netherlands’ head coach is Mark Van Der Ham, ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
Kazakhstan Delivers Atmosphere, Culture and Friendship

09. May. 2026 / Day two has delivered in so many ways, from outstanding, ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-81 kg: Kazakhstan has a New Hero!

09. May. 2026 / It has long been understood that the men’s -81 kg ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-70 kg: Clemence Eme is the Champion in Kazakhstan

09. May. 2026 / Miriam Butkereit arrived in Kazakhstan in pole position ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-73 kg: Lavrentev and Basile Deliver in Kazakhstan

09. May. 2026 / The news that drew gasps in the -73 kg category was ...

Qazaqstan Barysy GS 2026
-63 kg: Lkhagvatogoo Refuses to Let the Gold Go

09. May. 2026 / In a category that included no less than 5 world medallists, ...

INTERVIEW EXPRESS
Shishime Ai (JPN)

08. Jun. 2018 / The next reigning world champion to be invited to answer ...

News
5 Key Takeaways from judo’s first Tokyo 2020 qualifier

06. Jun. 2018 / Highlights from Hohhot Grand Prix 2018

VIDEO
Judo for the World in Iran

07. Jun. 2018 / In April 2018, the International Judo Federation and ...

Meeting
JUDO: A Beneficial Cause

07. Jun. 2018 / 'Society should believe in sport as a beneficial cause ...