Latest news with #Tbilisi
South China Morning Post
4 hours ago
- Sport
- South China Morning Post
Ryan Choi becomes Hong Kong's first ever fencing world champion
Ryan Choi Chun-yin became Hong Kong's first ever fencing world champion when he triumphed in the men's individual foil final in Tbilisi late on Wednesday. Choi accomplished a feat that has proved beyond even the city's Olympic champions Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong Man-wai by finishing atop the podium at the global event. The world No 12, already the first Hongkonger to reach a world final, recovered from trailing early on against world No 24 Kirill Borodachev, the Russian who was participating as a neutral fencer. But he fought back to win 15-9. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui congratulated Choi on his achievement. 'Ryan made impressive performance in the competition, demonstrating Hong Kong athletes' charm and perseverance,' she said in a statement. 'I hope the Hong Kong China fencing team will continue to strive for excellence. I have faith in them to perform spectacularly again in the 15th National Games to be held in November.'
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Thousands rally in Georgia capital to reinforce demands for new parliamentary elections
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of the Georgian capital on Saturday to reinforce their demand for new parliamentary elections. Last year's decision by the ruling Georgian Dream party to halt Georgia's bid to join the European Union continues to spark protests across the country.
Russia Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
EU applicant's top MP compares bloc to USSR
Georgian Parliament Speaker Shalva Papuashvili has accused the EU of interfering in his counry's domestic affairs and imposing false political choices, comparing the bloc's actions to Soviet-style tactics. The comments follow the European Commission's warning this week that Georgia's EU integration could be suspended unless the government returns to what Brussels calls a democratic path by the end of summer. The EU also threatened to revoke visa-free travel for Georgian citizens if the authorities fail to meet key conditions, including repealing the 'foreign agents' law and strengthening LGBTQ+ rights. 'We see direct interference in the Georgian elections,' Papuashvili said on Friday, as quoted by local media. 'It seems that some of the political elite [in Brussels] have taken some skills from the Soviet Union.' Georgia – once part of the Soviet Union – applied for EU membership in March 2022, shortly after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict. It was granted candidate status in December 2023 but has since suspended accession talks, citing Brussels' increasingly coercive tone. The government, however, insists that it remains committed to eventual EU membership. The ruling Georgian Dream party, which secured a strong majority in last October's vote, has repeatedly accused Western powers of meddling under the guise of promoting democracy. Officials in Tbilisi have drawn parallels to the 2014 Maidan uprising in Ukraine and said similar tactics are being used to destabilize Georgia for refusing to adopt a confrontational stance against Russia in the Ukraine conflict. Moscow, which has denied any involvement in Georgia's internal affairs, has also drawn a parallel between the events in Georgia and the 2014 coup in Ukraine. Following Georgian Dream's victory, a coalition of pro-Western parties alleged fraud and launched protests to force the government's resignation. The EU and US voiced support for the opposition, which the Georgian leadership denounced as foreign interference. Papuashvili also criticized the EU's earlier decision to revoke visa privileges for diplomatic and service passport holders, calling it a breach of international law and the 2010 visa agreement. Georgia has enjoyed visa-free travel to the bloc since 2017.
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Daily Mail
The overlooked city crowned cheapest for a summer holiday revealed - with £2 pints and cheap flights from the UK
For travellers craving a summer escape that won't burn a hole through their pockets, one overlooked city has emerged as Europe's top budget-friendly destination. According to a new study, Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, outshines 69 other European cities for affordability, in line with combining low costs with an abundance of cultural and historical attractions. The research, which compared the average cost of hotels, meals, drinks, transport, and the number of free attractions, found that a weekend stay costs just £136 - significantly cheaper that major tourist cities such as Paris and Rome. In Tbilisi, a pint of local beer is just £1.64, while a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs less than £33. Budget diners can even two lunchtime meals for around £16.50 without compromising on quality and flavour. In Tbilisi, visitors can find a range of hotels to suit different budgets, with options from hostels to more upscale hotels. Budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels and budget hotels, can be booked for as low as £7-£30 per night on KAYAK and Skyscanner, while mid-range hotels can range from £50 to £200 per night, according to the research carried out by luggage storage company Bounce. The capital's food, drink and accommodation are not only reasonably priced, but it also boasts a range of free culture-rich experiences. Tourists can explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi (pictured) - one of the largest religious buildings in the world - free of charge Tourists can explore the Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi - one of the largest religious buildings in the world - free of charge. Its iconic gold dome and landscaped gardens make it a favourite for architecture fans, photographers or those who want an impressive selfie for their Instagram. Another free must-see is the Bridge of Peace, a futuristic pedestrian bridge over the Mtkvari River, which glistens at night with thousands of sparkling LED lights. Georgia's diverse and distinctive cuisine is also a highlight, especially for fans of hearty dishes that incorporate a range of fresh herbs and spices. Visitors are urged to try Khachapuri, a cheesy, doughy dish often described as 'Georgian pizza,' as reported by the Mirror. Khinkali, Georgia's iconic dumplings, are also a must-try, characterised by their distinctive shape and a twisted dough 'crown' at the top. The meat-filled dumplings are known for their juicy broth inside, which you slurp out before eating the rest of the dumpling. Transportation in Tbilisi is surprisingly inexpensive, with a 1km taxi ride costing about the same as a pint, while fares for public transport are even cheaper - averaging just 27p. Transportation in Tbilisi is surprisingly inexpensive, with a 1km taxi ride costing about the same as a pint, while fares for public transport are even cheaper - averaging just 27p Meanwhile, a recent study put Prague at the top of the list of destinations that promise the best nightlife, with factors such as food and drink prices, safety and venue density per square kilometer - making bar crawls easier - all considered. The study by Casinova revealed the top ten party destinations in Europe ahead of this summer and found that the Czech capital won hands down. Already established as a popular stag party destination thanks to low-cost flights from destinations across Europe - with flights from around £25 - the city has worked hard to make its nightlife a more sophisticated affair in recent years. Prices for a tipple
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Fencers urge FIE to reinstate checks on ‘neutral' Russian, Belarusian athletes
More than 440 fencers from 40 countries have signed an open letter urging the International Fencing Federation (FIE) to reinstate rigorous background checks on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under neutral status. The letter, released by the Global Athlete movement on Thursday, followed the FIE's decision to list Russian and Belarusian fencers as 'neutrals' for the World Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, which run from July 22 to 26. The move has sparked criticism. Ukraine's Fencing Federation said it was considering unspecified legal action over the inclusion of athletes with Russian military ranks. Russia's war in Ukraine has lasted more than three years, after it invaded its neighbour in 2022. Elite fencers expressed their 'deep concern and disagreement' with the FIE's move to replace broader checks with a declaration of peace and neutrality. 'By removing comprehensive background checks, the FIE risks allowing individuals whose affiliations or actions conflict with the values of neutrality and non-violence to compete under a neutral status,' the letter read. Fencers from over 40 countries signed a letter to the FIE. Photo: EPA 'The FIE's decision contradicts the core principles of fencing – respect, integrity, and fair play – and deviates from the approach originally taken by the international sporting community.'
