"Every so-called 'heroic' step can record a retreat on the path of progress" - Harutyunyan

For a year, a large team worked to ensure that the European Weightlifting Championship would be the best. Every detail was discussed for hours and days, taking into account all political, sporting, and psychological nuances. As a result, we have an event that our compatriots can only be proud of. This was stated by Arayik Harutyunyan, head of the Prime Minister's staff and chairman of the inter-agency commission for the preparation and organization of the European Weightlifting Championship 2023, on his Facebook page.

"Of course, the incident did not allow us to fully enjoy our effort to present Armenia anew, as an innovative, cultural, and sports-reborn center worth talking to, collaborating with, and being friends with. Nevertheless, perhaps we did not take into account the very last detail, we did not calculate it, and this incident occurred. However, so much work has been done that I am confident that on April 23, when the championship concludes, our partners will record that the issue has been resolved at a very high level.

The state, yes, the state itself should be treated with care. Every unthoughtful, so-called 'heroic' step can set us back, recording a retreat on the path of progress.

Thank you to the audience for their activity, and to the viewers for their positive feedback. Today I saw our athletes; they were heading to training in good spirits. This opening ceremony and the high level of the competition are also for them, so that they do not feel embarrassed in other countries, but can hold their heads high and say, 'We are representatives of a serious sports nation.' Therefore, in the coming days, let’s fill the stands and support our athletes. We need victories," Harutyunyan noted.

It should be reminded that during the opening ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championship, an incident occurred. Designer and stylist Aram Nikolyan unexpectedly ran onto the stage, took the Azerbaijani flag from the hands of the flagbearer and burned it. Following this incident, Azerbaijan announced that its athletes would return to Azerbaijan.