Every championship is preparation for the Olympic Games, says Arayik Harutyunyan

Armenian Weightlifting Federation President Arayik Harutyunyan believes the forthcoming World Championships mark the start of preparations for the Olympic Games.

“Essentially, the Olympic cycle has begun. Every championship from now on is preparation for the Olympic Games. Our athletes have been tasked with performing well at the upcoming World Championships so that we make a good start to the next two-year cycle. At the very least, we should improve on the results of previous years,” Harutyunyan told journalists during an open training session for Armenia’s national team ahead of the World Weightlifting Championships.

He said every athlete must be motivated and, when competing at a world championship, strive for the best possible result.

“Next year, the World Championships will be held in Yerevan, followed by the Olympic Games. I believe all our plans must focus on reaching these two milestones in the right way and properly prepared. The coaches must also decide how to prepare for each successive stage of competition so that we perform very well in Yerevan, secure the maximum number of Olympic qualification places and, of course, approach the 2028 Olympic Games as well prepared as possible,” Harutyunyan added.

The Armenian Weightlifting Federation President also addressed the situation surrounding the National Olympic Committee of Armenia (NOCA), stressing that the confusion within the organisation was unacceptable.

“Yes, we are already preparing for the Olympic Games, and the Olympic Committee must also be in proper shape. Steps must be taken there to put things on a proper footing. I would like everything surrounding NOCA to be resolved,” Harutyunyan concluded.

Armenia’s team for the 2026 World Championships comprises Garnik Cholakyan in the 65 kg category; Gor Sahakyan and Tigran Karapetyan in the 75 kg category; Rafik Harutyunyan and Martin Poghosyan in the 85 kg category; Davit Hovhannisyan in the 95 kg category; Garik Karapetyan in the 110 kg category; Varazdat Lalayan in the over-110 kg category; Aleksandra Grigoryan in the 57 kg category; Alina Sukiasyan in the 77 kg category; and Emma Poghosyan and Liana Gyurjyan in the 86 kg category.

This year’s World Weightlifting Championships will take place from 27 October to 8 November in Ningbo, China. It is the first qualifying competition for the 2028 Olympic Games.