Armenia May Lose Opportunity to Host 2024 World Weightlifting Championships

Armenia may lose the opportunity to host the 2024 World Weightlifting Championships. This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Karen Giloyan, in an interview with Sputnik Armenia. It was reported that during a meeting yesterday, Mohammed Jaloud, the president of the International Weightlifting Federation, announced to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan that considering the accumulated experience, Armenia could aspire to host the 2024 championship.

“We practically had secured the right to hold the 2024 World Championship in Armenia, which would have been an exceptional opportunity, but after the incident, we may not be granted that right,” said the deputy minister.

However, Karen Giloyan added that the Armenian side continues to negotiate with the International Weightlifting Federation to alleviate the situation. “We are trying to convince them that the Azerbaijanis did not have any physical security issues. We have ensured the safety of the team. We are doing everything we can to prevent serious repercussions,” said Giloyan.

He also mentioned that even if sanctions are imposed on Armenia's weightlifting federation, they are unlikely to be severe.

It is worth recalling that an incident occurred during the opening ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championship. Designer and stylist Aram Nikoyan unexpectedly rushed onto the stage, seized the Azerbaijani flag from the hand of the flag bearer, and burned it in front of everyone. After the incident, Nikoyan was taken into custody and later released. No criminal proceedings will be initiated against him due to the absence of criminal intent.

Following the incident, the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan and the National Olympic Committee announced that Azerbaijani athletes would not participate in the European Weightlifting Championship to be held in Yerevan, citing safety concerns.

It should be noted that the Azerbaijani delegation arrived in Yerevan with a 12-member team, including 4 athletes, prior to the opening ceremony of the European Weightlifting Championship on April 13.

A total of 389 athletes from 40 countries have registered for the European Weightlifting Championship, which will take place from April 15 to 23.