Overview
- The government named Mestvirishvili for a posthumous Padma Shri on January 25, a distinction news reports say makes him the first foreign coach to receive a Padma award.
- He mentored Sushil Kumar, Yogeshwar Dutt, Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya and Deepak Punia as India’s freestyle program rose on the Olympic stage.
- He served as national men’s freestyle coach from 2003 to 2017 before continuing his work at Delhi’s Chhatrasal Stadium.
- Former trainees praised his technique-first approach and care for athletes, while his family voiced gratitude and called India his second home.
- He died in Tbilisi on June 23, 2025 at age 81, and peers note he never received the Dronacharya coach’s award during his lifetime.