Armenia’s Greco-Roman wrestling team summed up the results of the U23 European Championship at a press conference

After returning from the U23 European Championship, Armenia’s Greco-Roman wrestling team held a press conference at the Armenpress press center. Head coach Armen Babalaryan and the tournament medalists met with journalists: European champions Suren Aghajanyan (60 kg) and Aramais Harutyunyan (130 kg), silver medalist Samvel Terteryan (77 kg), and bronze medalist Manvel Khachatryan (55 kg).

As a result of the tournament, the Armenian team won four medals—two gold, one silver, and one bronze—and finished second in the team standings.

Armen Babalaryan: “We expected more”

Head coach Armen Babalaryan, summarizing the performance, said:

“Our result is two golds, one silver, and one bronze. Samvel Terteryan’s silver medal is equal to gold for me, as he was two years younger than his opponents. He defeated the reigning U23 world champion and a bronze medalist of the senior European Championship, and in the final he lost only on criteria with a 1:1 score.

We expected more from Manvel Khachatryan, as he had already competed at the senior level, but his bout against a representative of Russia did not go well. As for Aramais Harutyunyan, this is his first medal at this level.

In the 130 kg weight category, we have strong competition—three top athletes at once. They help each other progress. Last year, Razmik Kurdyan became a silver medalist at the World Championship, and Albert Vardanyan won bronze. Previously, it was believed that heavyweight categories were not our strong side, but our wrestlers are breaking these stereotypes through their work.

We also expected one or two more medals. Ashot Khachatryan and Vigen Nazaryan were contenders for podium places but could not realize their potential. Ruben Gevorgyan recently moved from the 87 kg category to 97 kg, and this is a new stage for him. Armen Sukiasyan has also not yet fully adapted to the 63 kg weight.

Many of our young athletes will compete in the senior European Championship. Before the tournament, we will hold two more training camps with the full team.”

Suren Aghajanyan: “I am satisfied with the result”

U23 European champion Suren Aghajanyan (60 kg) said:

“I had a great tournament and I am satisfied with the result. Overall, the team performed well. There were mistakes that we need to work on so they are not repeated in senior competitions. I am already preparing for the senior European Championship.

I especially remember the bout with the Polish wrestler: at one point I lost concentration, but managed to pull myself together and win.”

Aramais Harutyunyan: “I was really waiting for this victory”

Another U23 European champion Aramais Harutyunyan (130 kg) noted:

“The final was special for me. My opponent was a three-time European champion and two-time world champion from Hungary. The tournament overall was intense. This victory was long-awaited. The medal will give me confidence, but I do not intend to stop here.”

Samvel Terteryan: “All bouts were tough”

Silver medalist Samvel Terteryan (77 kg) said:

“Before the final, I had three bouts and won all of them with the same score. The opponents were very strong, every match was difficult. We have not yet conducted a detailed analysis, but training sessions are ahead where we will analyze mistakes and try to correct them.”

Manvel Khachatryan: “I will strive for more”

Bronze medalist Manvel Khachatryan (55 kg) said:

“I went to the European Championship aiming to win gold, but ended up with bronze. I will work to improve my result in future tournaments. I especially remember the bout with the Turkish representative—such matches require special preparation and composure. I am glad I managed to control my emotions and win.”