Pashik Alaverdyan Satisfied with Armenia’s Weightlifting Results in 2024
During a press conference, Pashik Alaverdyan, the head coach of Armenia’s men’s weightlifting team and Secretary General of the Weightlifting Federation, summarized the results of 2024. According to the head coach, the year was medal-rich and successful, as Armenia participated in 5 major tournaments. The athlets returned home with 136 medals from that competitions. Alaverdyan added that the year was particularly significant as Armenia won its first-ever gold medal in the super heavyweight category at the World Weightlifting Championships.
The press conference, however, was not without tension, as Alaverdyan expressed dissatisfaction with the format of the “Best in Sports of the Year” competition. In 2024, the title of the best coach was awarded to Hakob Serobyan, the head coach of Armenia’s gymnastics team. Alaverdyan argued that his athletes had secured 136 medals, brought home an Olympic medal, and won the World Championships, yet he was not recognized as the best coach.
He also discussed the team’s underperformance at the recently concluded World Championships in Bahrain. One of the reasons, he explained, was the limitation that an athlete can participate in only 3 major tournaments per year, yet some of the athletes were competing for the fourth time. He also explained Simon Martirosyan’s absence. He stated that the athlete experienced back pain 2 days before departure. However, the travel plans and tickets had been confirmed a month prior, and Alaverdyan emphasized that he would personally handle the ticket return.
The head coach highlighted some of the athletes who achieved remarkable results this year. Among the men, he singled out Gor Sahakyan, who changed his weight category during the last competition yet managed to surpass his personal record by around 10 kg. Among the women, he praised Aleksandra Grigoryan, noting that she is very close to winning an Olympic medal, as is Garik Karapetyan.
It’s worth recalling that the World Weightlifting Championships took place in Manama, the capital of Bahrain, from December 6 to 15.
Armenia was represented by 11 athletes at the World Championships, including 9 men and 2 women. The participants were Garik Cholakyan (61 kg), Aleksandra Grigoryan (55 kg), Gor Sahakyan (67 kg), Andranik Karapetyan (89 kg), Hakob Mkrtchyan (96 kg), Davit Hovhannisyan (96 kg), Ara Aghanyan (102 kg), Petros Petrosyan (109 kg), Garik Karapetyan (109 kg), Tatev Hakobyan (87 kg), and Varazdat Lalayan (109+).
Aleksandra Grigoryan won a bronze medal at the World Championships, while Varazdat Lalayan secured a gold medal.