Georgian wounded veterans return from Scotland with gold medals

A team of wounded Georgian service members has returned from Scotland after winning gold medals in an international military sports competition.

The veterans were welcomed at Tbilisi International Airport by Irakli Ujmajuridze, head of the Defence Ministry's Social Affairs and Psychological Support Department, along with other ministry representatives, who congratulated them on their achievement.

The Georgian team competed in a demanding endurance march across difficult terrain in Scotland. Participants included Colonel Elguja Bibinidze, Major Avtandil Mushkudiani, Master Sergeant Ivane Emelianov, Junior Sergeant Giorgi Chincharauli, Corporal Ramin Putkaradze, Lieutenant Colonel Merab Demurashvili and Bakur Mgeliashvili.

The team secured first place after undergoing intensive preparation for the event.

According to the Defence Ministry, wounded and injured Georgian military personnel have been taking part in the competition for the past five years and have won multiple gold, silver and bronze medals during that period.

The event was held in the Scottish town of Perthshire under the auspices of the Allied Forces Foundation and brought together wounded service members from several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Ukraine.

The competition is designed to support the rehabilitation, social reintegration and motivation of wounded military personnel through sport and teamwork.