History

The State University of Sports of Georgia is the only specialized higher education institution for sports education and science in Georgia, which combines many years of experience, rich traditions, and modern educational approaches.

The university is a crucial center for training professional personnel in the field of physical education and sports. Its mission is to develop students not only in terms of academic knowledge but also in their athletic skills, intellectual potential, and ethical values.

The learning process is based on innovative methods and international standards, which ensures the acquisition of high-quality education and the formation of high-level professional competencies.

History

The State University of Sports of Georgia is one of the main centers for education in the field of physical education and sports. Its history dates back to June 21, 1935, when a Department of Physical Culture was established at Tbilisi State University, which that same year gained the status of a faculty. The first dean was the distinguished scientist and doctor, Professor Giorgi Mghebrishvili—one of the founders of therapeutic physical culture and medical control in Georgia.

Notable scientists and sports figures, including Ivane Beritashvili, Aleksandre Natishvili, Revaz Natadze, Aleksandre Khmaladze, Giorgi Merkviledze, Mikheil Gorgadze, Giorgi Egnatashvili, and Aleksandre Bakradze, made significant contributions to the university’s formation. Their role is invaluable in both academic development and the systematic establishment of sports.

In 1938, with state support, the Georgian State Institute of Physical Culture was created on the basis of the faculty, with Tedo Skhirtladze as its first head. Despite initial difficulties—a lack of infrastructure and limited resources—the institute developed rapidly and became a solid foundation for sports education.

Stages of Development

• In 1939, the institute celebrated its first graduating class, with 93 highly qualified specialists.
• During World War II, the institute actively supported the war effort. It trained thousands of military specialists, including hand-to-hand combat instructors, swimmers, and skiers. The faculty and students also helped wounded soldiers by conducting therapeutic physical education sessions. Notable for his heroic past was Vakhtang Lezhava, in whose honor a tournament has been held since 1971.
• In 1955, the institute moved into a new building with a developed educational and sports infrastructure, including sports halls, pools, laboratories, open fields, and a ski base in Bakuriani. A coaches’ school was also established, with branches in Batumi, Kutaisi, Sukhumi, and Tskhinvali. The institute became a regional academic center, and its graduates went on to work in the republics of the USSR as well as in Cuba, Iran, Afghanistan, Germany, Algeria, India, and other countries.
• In the 1980s and 1990s, the institute became a regional leader. From 1989 to 1992, it operated the only dissertation council in the Transcaucasus and Central Asia for the theory and methodology of sports, where more than 30 dissertations were successfully defended. The institute’s postgraduate program prepared pedagogical staff, while special courses provided professional retraining for foreign specialists.
• Within the institute, a faculty of public professions was also established, focusing on sports journalism, tourism, and rehabilitation.
• The institution has trained over 22,000 graduates. Many of them are European, world, and Olympic champions and record-holders, including David Tsimakuridze, Medea Jugheli, Givi Kartozia, Nugzar Asatiani, Levan Tediashvili, Viktor Saneev, Leri Khabelov, Nino Salukvadze, Zurab Zviadauri, Boris Paichadze, Nodar Akhalkatsi, Vitali Daraselia, Ramazelia Shengelia and others.
  
  

The Modern Stage

• In 2007, by government decision, the university was merged with Ilia State University. However, the existing infrastructure could not support its continued independent development.
• In 2013, the institution regained its independence and resumed operations as the State University of Sports of Georgia.
• It was granted state accreditation in 2014, and after a seven-year hiatus, it resumed student enrollment.
• Since 2015, the university has been a member of the International Association of Universities of Physical Education and Sport, and it actively participates in the scientific congresses held under the association’s auspices.
  
  

Core Values and Priorities

• Leadership in Sports Education – Our graduates hold leading positions in the sports community both nationally and globally.
• International Recognition – Our academic staff’s scientific and research activities are recognized at both national and international levels.
• Internationalization – We support student and academic mobility to create a diverse educational environment.
• Promotion of Healthy Lifestyles – The university actively promotes a healthy lifestyle.
• Professional Development of Staff – We create a motivated, creative, and professionally growth-oriented environment.
• Responsible Citizenship – We raise motivated young people with a high level of civic awareness.
• Strengthening International Image – Our work serves to enhance the country’s recognition and image on a global scale.