Armenia's Edgar Papoyan wins historic title at 2026 Calisthenics World Championship

Seventeen-year-old Armenian athlete Edgar Papoyan has become the undisputed champion at the World Calisthenics Championship in Riga, marking the first such achievement in Armenia’s history.

According to Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, in recognition of his victory, Minister Zhanna Andreasyan met with the athlete. The meeting was attended by Narine Shahbazyan, head of the ministry’s Sports Policy Department; Arthur Harutyunyan, president of the Street Workout Federation; and Hayrapet Davtyan, vice president.

Welcoming the attendees and congratulating the athlete on his victory, Minister Zhanna Andreasyan said the achievement, which was also the result of the federation’s efforts and years of work, had undoubtedly inspired many children and teenagers to see themselves achieving such success.

“Creating ‘Workout’-type sports facilities in courtyards and other public spaces in various communities across Armenia is also aimed at achieving such accomplishments and desired results. This is an ongoing process, with the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles among teenagers being a priority,” Andreasyan added.