European Champions and Medalists Welcomed at Zvartnots Airport

This night, the champions and medalists of the European Weightlifting Championships were welcomed at the Zvartnots Airport in Yerevan, along with the Armenian women's and men's teams. The weightlifters arrived in Yerevan at 03:45 AM on a flight from Chișinău via Vienna.

The welcoming party included representatives from the Armenian National Olympic Committee, European champion and former weightlifter Hripsime Khurshudyan, and the newly appointed president of the Armenian Weightlifting Federation, Arayik Harutyunyan, who is also the head of the Prime Minister's office. Parents, friends, and fans of the athletes were present to greet them.

Most of the fans gathered at Zvartnots Airport were waiting for the female team members and medalists with flags, bouquets, balloons, and banners. The weightlifters were welcomed in the terminal without traditional music, but instead received applause and flowers, presented by Federation President Arayik Harutyunyan.

It is noteworthy that during the European Weightlifting Championships held in Chișinău, Moldova from April 14-21, Armenia secured a total of 10 medals in the overall competition, including two gold, six silver, and two bronze medals. Among the gold medalists were Varazdat Lalayan (450 kg; 210+240) and Garik Karapetyan (411 kg; 185+226). Silver medals were earned by Alexandra Grigoryan (202 kg; 85+117), Gor Sahakyan (338 kg; 153+185), Rafik Harutyunyan (343 kg; 158+185), Anna Amroyan (231 kg; 100+131), Simon Martirosyan (406 kg; 180+225), and Liana Gyurjyan (246 kg; 106+140). Bronze medalists included Garnik Cholakyan (275 kg; 124+151) and Davit Hovhannisyan (376 kg; 173+203).

Both the men's and women's national teams of Armenia achieved first place in their respective team rankings. Overall, Armenia ranked third in the medal tally.

Video: News.am