The former wrestler was presented the prestigious honour by International Olympic Committee Executive Board member Sergey Bubka, President of the National Olympic Committee of Ukrine.

A ceremony took place at the GNOC's Annual Reporting Session with Khabelov and Bubka's meeting bringing together two Olympic gold medallists.

Khabelov won 100 kilograms freestyle gold at Barcelona 1992, as part of the Unified Team, four years after Bubka captured the pole vault title at Seoul 1988.

The Olympic Order is the Movement's highest individual accolade and only recognises outstanding achievement.

It has been bestowed on Khabelov for his contribution as an athlete and official.

Gold Olympic Orders can also be given in exceptional circumstances.

Georgia has won eight Summer Olympic gold medals as an independent nation since its debut at Atlanta 1996 following the break-up of the Soviet Union.

Their most successful haul came at Beijing 2008 when they won three golds in a total of seven.

The country has also competed at every Winter Olympics since Lillehammer in 1994 but has not won a medal.