Unacceptable Behavior of Lauding Melina Daluzhyan: Statement

A number of sports federations and athletes in Armenia have issued a statement regarding the recent controversies in the Armenian sports world.

“In recent days, the Armenian sports community has come under public scrutiny and has become a subject of intense discussion. Unfortunately, we must register with regret that society is not discussing the sports achievements and successes of the sports realm, but rather the circumstances surrounding the gender transition of a figure who has brought disrepute to the Armenian sports community and the state's decision to produce a film about this subject.

It is no secret that sports have always been separate from politics; we have never interfered in any political events. Within our country, we have neither adversaries nor enemies; our struggle has always been outside, and we have fought to represent our country with glory, to win, to raise the Armenian tricolor, and to bring forth our national anthem.

However, recent events are profoundly offensive to the Armenian sports community.

Efforts are being made to portray the gender-transitioned Melina Daluzhyan as the embodiment of an Armenian athlete, who, due to her disgraceful doping scandal, is causing serious issues for the Armenian weightlifting team today. Her behavior and inappropriate conduct have been unacceptable for the Armenian sports realm. Her presence in the girls' weightlifting team has caused numerous problems, and coaches have required considerable time to address these issues.

Today, that person is being presented as the embodiment of an Armenian athlete, and there is an attempt to heroize and glorify her. If there is a desire to justify and extol Melina Daluzhyan's gender transition, do whatever you want, but stop presenting her as a victorious Armenian athlete, because she simply cannot be one of us. It is unacceptable for us to heroize this process.

We once again reaffirm that the continued behavior of lauding Melina Daluzhyan is unacceptable for the Armenian sports community; moral high values and traditions have always been valued in our sports. Before it is too late, we call for an end to this process, as its consequences can be irreversible and very painful. There are questions that should simply not be treated lightly. This is that case.”

The statement was signed by:
Armenian Artistic Swimming Federation
President: Zhanna Manoukian
Chief Coach: Anahit Tavriziann
Armenian Traditional Archery Federation
President: Tigran Chobanyan
Responsible Secretary: Lusine Aivazyan
Armenian National Academic Rowing and Canoeing Federation
Secretary: Vardan Adamyan
Armenian Basketball Federation
President: Hratchya Rostomyan
Chief Secretary: Arthur Nazaryan
Vice President: Vahagn Harutyunyan
Armenian Badminton Federation
President: Hovhannes Khachatryan
Executive Director: Hratchya Poghosyan...