Wels, Austria – Olympic bronze medalist Shamil Borchashvili is set to return to competitive judo, albeit on a domestic stage. After announcing his retirement from international competition last year, the 30-year-vintage will lead his newly founded Borchashvili Combat Center in its debut in the Austrian Judo Bundesliga this Saturday at 8 p.m. Against Samurai-Stadlau of Vienna. This marks a new chapter for the athlete, transitioning from representing Austria on the world stage to focusing on developing the next generation of judoka within his own club.
Borchashvili’s decision to step away from international competition came as a surprise to some, particularly after his successful career which includes a bronze medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics [1] and a World Championship title in 2022 [1]. However, the athlete has emphasized the need for a break and a shift in focus. His return to the mat isn’t a reversal of that decision, but rather a commitment to fostering judo within Austria and leading his own team.
The Borchashvili Combat Center represents more than just a new club; it’s a family affair. Borchashvili’s brothers, Wachid and Kimran, are also part of the Austrian national judo team [17, 18, 19, 20]. Wachid Borchashvili, a gold medalist at the 2023 Tbilisi Grand Slam [17], will also be competing in Saturday’s Bundesliga opener. The brothers jointly founded the club in the fall of 2024 [21], signaling a unified effort to elevate judo in the region.
While details surrounding potential legal proceedings related to the club’s formation remain somewhat unclear, reports suggest a transfer process involving Borchashvili’s move to the new club wasn’t without complications . The specifics of these proceedings haven’t been fully disclosed, but they underscore the complexities involved in establishing the Borchashvili Combat Center within the existing Judo Bundesliga structure.
Borchashvili, who previously competed for Judo LZ Wels until 2024 [3], is now serving as the chairman of his new club. He has spoken about his desire to give back to Austria, particularly through youth outreach programs focused on violence prevention . He believes these initiatives are crucial, stating that young people are “crying out for help” and need positive role models and support systems.
Despite his retirement from international competition, Borchashvili remains dedicated to personal growth. He is currently pursuing a distance learning course in economics at the University of Hamburg , demonstrating a commitment to intellectual pursuits alongside his judo endeavors. He has described judo as a “school of life,” emphasizing the discipline and self-reflection it instills.
Looking ahead, Borchashvili’s focus is on building a strong foundation for the Borchashvili Combat Center and nurturing young talent. While he previously considered competing at the 2025 World Championships in Budapest , his immediate priority is the Bundesliga and his role as a mentor. The debut against Samurai-Stadlau will be a significant test for the new club and a showcase of Borchashvili’s leadership.
The Austrian Judo Bundesliga opener this Saturday promises to be a compelling event, marking a new era for Shamil Borchashvili and the sport in Austria. Fans and observers will be watching closely to see how the Borchashvili Combat Center performs and how the athlete transitions into his new role as a club leader and mentor. Share your thoughts on Borchashvili’s new chapter in the comments below.
