Armenian Anthem Plays in Georgia on April 24 as 19-Year-Old Emma Poghosyan Becomes European Champion

At just 19 years old, Youth World and European Champion Emma Poghosyan delivered a defining performance on one of the most symbolic days for Armenians around the world. Competing on April 24—the day Armenians commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide—Poghosyan rose to the moment in Georgia, where the Armenian national anthem was played and the Armenian flag was raised as she became European champion at the European Weightlifting Championships.

In the women’s 86 kg category, she claimed the European title with a commanding combined total of 248 kg (107+141), showcasing both strength and composure on the international stage.

Poghosyan demonstrated complete control in the snatch, successfully completing all three attempts at 102 kg, 105 kg, and 107 kg. Her precise lifts earned her a small bronze medal in the discipline and set the tone for her overall victory.

In the clean and jerk, she was dominant. Poghosyan lifted 132 kg, followed by 134 kg, and finished with an impressive 141 kg, securing a small gold medal and sealing her place at the top of the podium.

The moment also carried deeper regional context. Georgia is among the countries that has not formally recognized the Armenian Genocide. Analysts widely attribute this not to a lack of historical awareness, but to geopolitical and internal sensitivities. Positioned between Turkey and Azerbaijan—two close partners that strongly oppose recognition—Georgia relies on both for trade, energy routes, and regional stability, making any move toward formal recognition politically complex.

Representing Armenia alongside Poghosyan was European silver medalist Liana Gyurjyan, who recorded a total of 236 kg (101+135). Despite a strong effort, Gyurjyan placed fifth overall. In the snatch, she managed one successful lift at 101 kg, finishing ninth in that discipline.

In the clean and jerk, Gyurjyan showed determination, successfully lifting 130 kg and 135 kg, though she narrowly missed 141 kg on her final attempt. Her performance earned her a small silver medal in the event.

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