19 February 1996 (Tbilisi, Georgia) left his native country 8 years ago with his family and settled in Spain. In the Spanish Judo federation they saw great potential in him, so they decided to grant him a scholarship and assign him a place at the Blume residence in Madrid. After a lot of work and an incredible progression today he has become the first spanish male judoka world champion.

To reach the final had to beat among others, the world number one Toth (HUN). In the final he faced a young Cuban judo player Silva.

The fight was put uphill to the Spanish, Silva scored a Wasari the minute to start the fight and Niko was towed throughout the fight.

But the number 3 in the ranking had not reached the final to lose it ... there was barely time left and he had to take risks, Silva was strong and without fissures, but he was careless and Niko took advantage of it. The match was tied and the champion would be decided in the Golden Score.

More than 6 minutes of fighting, both tired of enduring the onslaught of the opponent, but the prize very close. The Spaniard decided to enter from Uchi Mata and got a great result, Silva fell on his back and Niko became world champion.