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
YOG Dakar 2026
Three New Champions and a Presidential Visit Light Up Dakar

02. Nov. 2026 / Three new Youth Olympic champions were crowned on the ...

YOG Dakar 2026
Dakar 2026: Three More Champions, Another Day to Remember!

02. Nov. 2026 / Three more champions have emerged from an exciting ...

YOG Dakar 2026
From Kakuma to Dakar, Arno Finds His Place

02. Nov. 2026 / Botay Arno Yafunga came to Dakar dreaming of gold.

YOG Dakar 2026
A Country on Their Backs, a Continent in Their Hearts

02. Nov. 2026 / There are days when competing at home means something ...

World Judo Day 2026
Belonging in Action: World Judo Day Across the World

02. Nov. 2026 / World Judo Day is more than a date in the calendar. ...

Olympic Solidarity
Building Expertise and Strengthening Judo in Djibouti

02. Nov. 2026 / Developing judo requires more than athletes willing ...

YOG Dakar 2026
Dakar’s First Judo Podia Bring Joy and an Historic Medal for Senegal

01. Nov. 2026 / The first day of judo at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic ...

YOG Dakar 2026
Dakar 2026: First Golds, Historic Bronze!

01. Nov. 2026 / The first judo medals of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic ...

YOG Dakar 2026
The Olympic Family Comes Together Around Judo in Dakar

01. Nov. 2026 / The Youth Olympic Games is bringing the international ...

YOG Dakar 2026
A Champion’s Smile, a New Generation’s Moment

01. Nov. 2026 / Who better to launch the judo competition at the Dakar ...

YOG Dakar 2026
Dakar 2026: Follow the Judo Action!

01. Nov. 2026 / In the warm-up room, anticipation is building.

YOG Dakar 2026
Forty Flags, One Unforgettable Night

01. Nov. 2026 / The flame is alight. Since the evening of 31st October, ...

Abu Dhabi GS 2026
Twenty-Seven Nations Win Medals in Abu Dhabi

31. Oct. 2026 / This edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Slam has concluded ...

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 ...