For three days, 650 sambo wrestlers from more than 70 countries fought for the coveted World Championship medals in Yerevan. In the competitions in women's and men's sports sambo and men's combat sambo, Armenia had representatives in all weight categories and managed to win 10 medals - 5 silver and 5 bronze.
According to Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia Karen Giloyan, the performances of Armenian athletes were unprecedented.
“Congratulations to all of us: this is a really good result: more than before. The Armenian Sambo team of adults has never won so many medals at the World Championships. Unfortunately, we didn't have a gold medal: some were excited, while others wanted to do much more, but we have what we have. We need to work harder to get gold medals in the upcoming championships,” noted Karen Giloyan.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that Armenia has set a high bar in terms of holding major sports events: “Yerevan has been the capital of the Sambo wrestlers for three days. I can state that the tournament was organized at a high level. The expressions of gratitude from the representatives of the participating countries became vivid evidence of this: many claimed that it was the best championship they participated in. We can state that we are capable of holding high-class competitions.”
According to the head coach of the Armenian national team, Vovik Khojayan, winning 10 medals at the World Championship among adults is an excellent result.
“Although we were unable to win a gold medal, this was the first time the Armenian national team of adults has won 10 medals at the World Championship. I think this is an excellent result for us. We were very close to winning a gold medal. I think the guys lacked a little confidence in their abilities, and also the fact that they perform at home constrained them. The responsibility was great, and there was tension. I think that next year our youth will meet all expectations. In any event, it was unprecedented for the Armenian national team to have five players in the final of the World Championship of adults,” noted the head coach.
Note that Aram Aghajanyan (71 kg), Boris Shatveryan (79 kg), Davit Grigoryan (98 kg), Avetik Poghosyan (88 kg), Vahram Grigoryan (64 kg) were crowned vice-champions of the World Sambo Championship among adults held in Yerevan.
Bronze medals were awarded to Vahagn Chalyan (88 kg), Varsik Grigoryan (54 kg), Vachik Vardanyan (71 kg), Sargis Vardanyan (79 kg), and Arman Avanesyan (98 kg).
The coaches Vovik Khojayan, Hayk Avetisyan, and Ernest Mirzoyan led the Armenian national teams at the World Championships.