Two Armenian Wrestlers Reach U17 World Championship Semifinals in Baku

Photo Credit: United World Wrestling

Armenia opened the U17 World Wrestling Championships in Baku with two Greco-Roman wrestlers advancing to the semifinals — a strong start for the national team at a tournament that has attracted unusual international attention beyond the competition itself.

The championships come during ongoing concerns over the safety of Armenian athletes competing in Azerbaijan. Earlier this month, Armenian-American wrestler Galoust Gregory Torosian, who qualified to represent the United States, withdrew from the tournament, saying he could not ignore what he described as legitimate security concerns for Armenians in Azerbaijan. In a public statement, Torosian cited Azerbaijan's treatment of Armenians, the detention of Armenian prisoners, and anti-Armenian rhetoric. He also said United World Wrestling did not respond to his requests for information about security measures for athletes traveling to Baku.

Armenia's national team, however, traveled to the Azerbaijani capital after the Armenian Wrestling Federation said it had requested and received security guarantees for the delegation throughout the championships. 

The event is the first time Armenian athletes have competed in Azerbaijan since the 2020 Artsakh War.

Despite the tense backdrop, Armenia's wrestlers delivered impressive results on the opening day.

In the 48-kilogram division, Ararat Avetisyan fought back from a 7-2 deficit to defeat Mexico's Hector Aguiler Rodriguez 14-7 in the round of 16. He then earned a 9-3 victory over Uzbekistan's Asian silver medalist, Javohir Sharifboev, to book his place in the semifinals.

Vazgen Mnatsakanyan also advanced to the final four in the 65-kilogram category after winning three consecutive matches. He defeated Iran's Galehi 7-4 in the qualification round, Kyrgyzstan's Kamil Berdikulov 5-2 in the round of 16, and Croatia's Lovro Vidović 4-3 in the quarterfinals.

Armenia remains in contention in another weight class as Gegham Yeghiazaryan advanced after defeating his Ukrainian opponent in the opening round of the 55-kilogram competition.

Two other Armenian wrestlers saw their medal hopes end in the quarterfinals. 

Reigning U17 European champion Vahe Hoveyan was eliminated in the 80-kilogram division after winning his opening match, while Khachik Khachatryan exited the tournament in the 110-kilogram category following his own opening-round victory.

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