The 37th World Military Wrestling Championship kicks off in Yerevan today, with Armenia represented in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling categories. However, the event has been clouded by controversy following the exclusion of some of Armenia’s top wrestlers, including Malhas Amoyan, Vazgen Tevanyan, and Arsen Harutyunyan, from the national team.
Participants
Greco-Roman wrestling representatives:
Tigran Minasyan (55 kg)
Suren Aghajanyan (60 kg)
Hrachya Poghosyan (63 kg)
Gaspar Terteryan (67 kg)
Shant Khachatryan (72 kg)
Ashot Khachatryan (77 kg)
Samvel Grigoryan (82 kg)
Karen Khachatryan (87 kg)
David Ovasapyan (130 kg)
Freestyle wrestling representatives:
Arman Harutyunyan (57 kg)
Sargis Begoyan (61 kg)
Andranik Avetisyan (65 kg)
Artavazd Harutyunyan (70 kg)
Hrayr Alikhanyan (74 kg)
Arman Avagyan (79 kg)
Mushegh Mkrtchyan (92 kg)
Henrik Haykyan (120 kg)
Speaking to Factor TV, European Champion Arsen Harutyunyan expressed frustration with the decision to exclude him and his fellow champions. “We prepared with utmost seriousness, following rigorous training regimens and overcoming physical and psychological challenges to represent our country. Yet, days before the championship, we were informed that our strongest wrestlers had been left out of the team without any justification,” Harutyunyan said.
The Ministry of Defense has defended its decision, stating it adhered to regulations set by the International Military Sports Council (CISM), which limits participation to active-duty military personnel. According to Colonel Arman Davtyan, head of physical training and sports at the Armenian Armed Forces General Staff, the selection process was based on compliance with these international requirements. “The team includes only conscript soldiers to avoid any potential disputes. I urge everyone to support our athletes so they can perform to the best of their abilities,” Davtyan said.
Globally, the selection of teams for military sports events often involves collaboration between sports federations and military institutions. In countries like the United States and Russia, both military status and recent athletic achievements are considered. Committees are formed to ensure fairness and transparency, minimizing the risk of biased decisions.
In Armenia, however, the selection process is solely managed by the Ministry of Defense, with minimal input from the Wrestling Federation. This approach has raised concerns about transparency and fairness, as many view it as an exclusionary mechanism that does not account for the athletes’ full potential.
This situation underscores the need for a more transparent and inclusive selection process in Armenia. Moving forward, involving sports federations and establishing clear, accessible criteria could prevent similar controversies. Only then can Armenia ensure the presence of its strongest team at international championships, free from internal disputes and fully focused on achieving victory.