The Times of India

His heart is still in India: Late Mestvirishvili first foreign coach to receive Padma Shri

Legendary wrestling coach Vladimir Mestvirishvili, affectionately known as Laado in India, has been posthumously awarded the Padma Shri. His son, Shalva, expressed overwhelming emotion and gratitude, highlighting his father's deep connection with India and its wrestlers. Vladimir, instrumental in shaping India's freestyle wrestling talent, becomes the first foreign coach to receive this prestigious honour.