Georgian Government to award $1.1 million bonus for national basketball team’s EuroBasket success

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday announced that his Government would allocate ₾3 million ($1.1 million) to the national basketball team for its historic achievement at the ongoing EuroBasket, with an additional ₾3 million to be granted for each subsequent victory at the European Championship.

“I want to congratulate our athletes on yesterday’s victories - it was a very successful day for our country. First of all, I would like to congratulate the basketball team on this historic success [Georgia eliminated France to reach quarter-finals], as our national team has reached the top eight in Europe for the first time”, the PM said.

“I want to thank each player, the entire team, and the coaches for this impressive achievement. I would also like to thank the Basketball Federation, because such results cannot be achieved without dedication and hard work. I wish them success in the upcoming important matches, and I am confident that the next games will also bring victories”, Kobakhidze continued.

He further congratulated the football players on their impressive victory [against Bulgaria] on Sunday and wished them success in the World Cup qualifiers.

“As for the basketball team, given this historic achievement, we want to mark it with a financial reward from the Government. We believe that ₾3 million should be allocated for the success already achieved, and for each subsequent victory at EuroBasket, we will also set ₾3 million. Three million for the current achievement, and three million for every next win - that will be the Government’s prize”, Kobakhidze concluded.