71 Years After Albert Azaryan, Artur Avetisyan Wins European Rings Title for independent Armenia

Armenian gymnast Artur Avetisyan has become the first athlete representing independent Armenia to win a European title on the still rings, ending a decades-long wait in one of the country’s most celebrated gymnastics events.

Before Avetisyan, the last Armenian to win a European championship on the rings was Albert Azaryan in 1955. Azaryan, one of the most accomplished figures in Armenian sports history, competed for the Soviet Union at the time.

Hrant Shahinyan, another Armenian gymnastics great of the Soviet era, won Olympic gold on the rings but did not capture a European title in the event.

Avetisyan’s victory brings the European rings title back to Armenian gymnastics 71 years after Azaryan’s triumph — and marks the first time the achievement has come under the flag of the Republic of Armenia.

—

Support independent reporting from the region by subscribing to The Armenian Report. Our team is funded solely by readers like you.