Armenian official explains why top athletes were not included in national team for 37th CISM World Military Wrestling Championships

YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 19, ARMENPRESS. Members of the Armenian team for the upcoming 37th CISM World Military Wrestling Championships have been selected by specialists and experts of the Ministry of Defense, a senior official has said.

“Armenia, as the host country, has been guided by strict adherence to all provisions of the charter of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), and a as a result the team that will represent Armenia has been selected,” Colonel Arman Davtyan, the head of physical training and sports service of the Armenian Armed Forces General Staff, told reporters at a press conference.

Several renowned and award-winning Armenian wrestlers had expressed discontent because they were not included in the Armenian team for the upcoming event that will be held in Yerevan. They said they didn't receive any explanations from organizers. 

“Multiple speculations could have happened in case of other athletes having been included in the tournament. The Armenian military’s team is mostly composed of conscripted servicemen from the sports company,” Colonel Davtyan added.

CISM President Colonel Nilton Rolim said the championships will show that sports can unite and bring peace.

“This championship is held in the fairest conditions in compliance with standards of the International Olympic Committee and the International Antidoping organizations,” Colonel Rolim said.

Armenia will be represented at the championships by Tigran Minasyan (55kg), Suren Aghajanyan (60kg), Hrachya Poghosyan (63kg), Gaspar Terteryan (67kg), Shant Khachatryan (72kg), Ashot Khachatryan (77kg), Samvel Grigoryan (82kg), Karen Khachatryan (87kg) and Davit Ovasapyan (130kg). Armen Babalaryan will lead the Greco-Roman wrestling team.

The freestyle wrestling team’s coach is Avetik Vardanyan. The team includes Arman Harutyunyan (57kg), Sargis Begoyan (61kg), Andranik Avetisyan (65kg), Artavazd Harutyunyan (70kg), Hrayr Alikhanyan (74kg), Arman Avagyan (79kg), Mushegh Mkrtchyan (92kg) and Henrik Haykyan (120kg).

400 participants from 24 countries have arrived in Armenia for the championships.