Photos: Gyumri Residents Welcome Their Champions with Drums and Zurnas

This evening, near the gates of the city, as per tradition, many residents of Gyumri, athletes, coaches, and officials warmly welcomed the boxers Hovhannes Bachkov and Arthur Hovhannisyan, who won championship titles at the Minsk 2019 European Championships, with drums, zurnas, laurels, and applause.

The boxers consider bringing another gold medal to their champion city a matter of honor and pride, expressing their joy at having upheld the names of Gyumri and Armenia at the European Championships and raised the national flag.

“We went with the aim of winning, and we managed to turn our goal into reality. We are happy; this is a great achievement for us, as we were able to repeat our success from 2017. This victory gives us the opportunity to pursue gold at the World Championships,” noted European champion Hovhannes Bachkov in Gyumri.

“One could say this was a dream that has now been realized, but we are not satisfied with this; we have new dreams and new goals. I would like every athlete to feel what I am feeling right now,” commented newly crowned European champion Arthur Hovhannisyan about his feelings.

The boxers mentioned that their opponents and all participants in the championship were strong, but thanks to their determination, the pride of Gyumri, and hard work, they managed to defeat their rivals and bring more gold medals to Gyumri.

“They are both afraid of and wary of Gyumri athletes because we are proud Gyumrians. I won the first medal on the last day, followed by Bachkov and Arthur Aleksanyan. I dedicate my victory to my parents,” Arthur Hovhannisyan proudly said while holding his gold medal.

“Any good athlete is taken into account, regardless of whether you are from Gyumri or another city or country; it doesn’t matter,” Hovhannes Bachkov stated. European champion Hovhannes Bachkov also confessed that he missed his two sons the most, who came to greet their father and embraced him lovingly.