With the co-organization of East-West University, and with the support and funding of the Ministries of Sport of Georgia and Education and Sport of Adjara, Batumi hosted the 2nd International Scientific Conference – “Sports Medicine for Athletes’ Health and Performance” on May 27–28.
The main goal of the event was to create a common space for professionals working in sports medicine — doctors, physiotherapists, coaches, and researchers — to share experiences, exchange evidence-based approaches, and discuss the implementation of modern scientific findings into practice.
The conference was officially opened by the Minister of Sport of Georgia, Shalva Gogoladze, who emphasized the growing role of medical support in sports. The Minister of Education and Sport of Adjara, Maia Khajishvili, highlighted the importance of the conference both for Batumi and the entire region.
One of the key contributors to the organization of the conference was Professor Khatuna Saghanelidze, Vice President of East-West University and Head of the English-language Medical Program. She also served as the conference moderator, playing a vital role in shaping the event’s success.
The conference’s working session opened with a presentation by Czech professor and Head of the Continuing Education Department at East-West University, Jiří Dostal. His lecture focused on the physiological impact of altitude training on athletes and the mechanisms of adaptation to hypoxic environments. Professor Dostal also reviewed the key principles for designing effective and safe training programs for elite sports.
Additionally, Slovak radiologist Vladimír Neuschl emphasized in his presentation the importance of using MRI and ultrasound methods for diagnosing and monitoring muscle injuries. He pointed out that the role of a radiologist in a sports medicine team goes far beyond diagnosis — becoming a key element in treatment management, especially in cases involving high-risk injuries.
The agenda included several thematic blocks, such as:
• injury prevention
• early diagnosis
• modern rehabilitation methods
• load management
• and the integration of innovative technologies into sports practice.
Special attention was given to multidisciplinary collaboration — coordinated work between specialists of various profiles, considered a prerequisite for improving athletes’ health and performance.
The opening ceremony was attended by First Deputy Minister of Sport of Georgia, Irakli Medzmariashvili, and Minister of Culture of Adjara, Eliso Bolkvadze.
East-West University continues its active participation in international scientific events and supports initiatives that promote the synthesis of education, science, and practice.