Armenian Weightlifting Team Prepares for 2026 European Championships in Batumi
The Armenian national weightlifting team is gearing up for the much-anticipated 2026 European Weightlifting Championships in Batumi, featuring an impressive roster of seasoned athletes ready to compete from April 20 to 26.
Leading the Armenian team is Varazdat Lalayan, competing in the +110 kg category. Lalayan is a formidable presence, boasting titles as both the World and European Champion, in addition to his Olympic silver medal from the Paris Games. His experience and successes position him as a key contender during the championships.
Joining Lalayan are fellow elite weightlifters, including Garik Karapetyan, who holds the title of 2023 and 2025 European Champion in the 110 kg class, and Simon Martirosyan, a two-time World Champion, reigning supreme in 2018 and 2019. Their achievements bolster the strength of the Armenian delegation, reflecting the nation’s dedication to the sport.
The full lineup of competitors showcases a diverse range of weight classes: Garnik Cholakyan (60 kg), Gor Sahakyan (71 kg), Martin Poghosyan (79 kg), Rafik Harutyunyan (88 kg), Ara Aghanyan (94 kg), and the esteemed Garik Karapetyan and Simon Martirosyan both representing the 110 kg category. Together, they embody the resilience and spirit of Armenian weightlifting as they aim for stellar outcomes in Batumi.