Double Gold, Ten Medals, and a National First: Armenia’s Weightlifters Make History and Return Home

In the early morning hours at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, the atmosphere was filled with pride, hugs, and celebration. Armenia's national weightlifting team had just returned home after representing the country at the European Weightlifting Championships—and they brought back more than just medals. They brought back hope, strength, and inspiration.

The Armenian Report was there at the airport to welcome the athletes as they stepped into the arrivals hall, holding medals in their hands and pride in their hearts. Despite facing injuries, challenges, and setbacks, each of these athletes stood tall—not just as competitors, but as heroes to a nation that always supports its champions.

According to the Armenian Weightlifting Federation, Armenia was officially ranked #1 in both the men's and women’s team categories—an achievement never before seen in Armenian weightlifting history. Even though Armenia did not win the highest number of total medals, the combined performance of its athletes placed the country third in overall medal count, behind two other nations. But the most important title—the top of the team rankings—belonged to Armenia.

Garik Karapetyan: From Injury to Gold

Garik Karapetyan, who won a gold medal, shared his emotional journey with The Armenian Report.

“After I got injured, there were a lot of difficulties,” he said. “I had very little time to train—only two months. But thanks to very hard training, I achieved the gold medal.”

Garik’s story is one of dedication and resilience. Many believed his injury would hold him back, but instead, it became the reason he pushed harder. His victory is a reminder to all young Armenians that with determination, even the most difficult roads can lead to gold.

Aleksandra Grigoryan: Not Satisfied, But Still Proud

Aleksandra Grigoryan came home with a medal but admitted she was hoping for more.

“I’m not that happy with the result,” she told us. “I was able to lift higher weights during training. But since I returned to Armenia with a medal, I’m very happy about that. I will try to show better results in my next performances.”

Her honesty reflects the mindset of a true athlete—always aiming higher, always looking forward. Even in moments of doubt, Aleksandra remains a proud representative of Armenian strength and perseverance.

Gor Sahakyan: “Today I’ll Be Second, Tomorrow I’ll Be First”

Gor Sahakyan’s words reminded everyone of the heart of sportsmanship.

“I did everything I could to perform well in this competition,” he said. “It’s true that the result wasn’t what my coaches and I expected. I went for the Championship, but above all else, this is sport. Today I’ll be second, and tomorrow I’ll be first.”

In Gor, we see the spirit of a fighter—someone who learns, adapts, and refuses to quit. He may have taken silver this time, but his hunger for gold is clear. Armenia stands behind him as he continues his journey to the top.

Milena Khachatryan: “Let This Be My Beginning”

Milena Khachatryan showed grace under pressure. Though her snatch lift didn’t go as planned, she pulled herself together for the clean and jerk.

“There was tension,” she admitted. “But during the clean and jerk, I was able to pull myself together. I lifted 131 kg and came back with a silver medal. Let this be my beginning.”

Milena’s performance proved that a rough start doesn’t define the finish. Her story is just beginning—and already, it’s filled with strength and promise.

Anna Amroyan: A Triumphant Return After Surgery

Anna Amroyan’s comeback was one of the most emotional moments of the championship. Just two months after knee surgery, she stepped onto the platform at the European Senior Championships—and won her first medal.

“I am happy with my results,” she said. “This was my first competition at the European Senior Championships, and I won my first medal.”

Her bravery and courage show what it means to never give up, even when recovery seems hard. Anna is proof that Armenian athletes are built with more than just physical power—they have unbreakable hearts.

For a country surrounded by challenges, Armenia finds its strength in its people—especially its athletes. These young men and women are not just weightlifters. They are symbols of national pride, role models for the next generation, and reminders that success is possible even in the face of hardship.

As the Armenian flag flew high at the championship, it wasn’t just about winning—it was about showing the world who we are. From gold to silver, from injuries to comebacks, these athletes have shown that the Armenian spirit can never be broken.

10 Medals for Armenia: A Breakdown

Armenia’s weightlifters earned a total of 10 medals in the combined events (snatch and clean & jerk). Every lift told a story of strength, preparation, and heart.

Gold Medals (2):

• Varazdat Lalayan – 450 kg total (210 kg snatch + 240 kg clean & jerk)

• Garik Karapetyan – 411 kg total (185 kg + 226 kg)

  
  

Silver Medals (6):

• Aleksandra Grigoryan – 202 kg total (85 kg + 117 kg)

• Gor Sahakyan – 338 kg total (153 kg + 185 kg)

• Rafik Harutyunyan – 343 kg total (158 kg + 185 kg)

• Anna Amroyan – 231 kg total (100 kg + 131 kg)

• Simon Martirosyan – 406 kg total (180 kg + 225 kg)

• Liana Gyurjyan – 246 kg total (106 kg + 140 kg)

  
  

Bronze Medals (2):

• Garnik Cholakyan – 275 kg total (124 kg + 151 kg)

• David Hovhannisyan – 376 kg total (173 kg + 203 kg)

The Armenian Report congratulates our champions and will continue to follow their journeys. Because in every lift, every step, and every medal—they carry all of us with them.

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