Aramayis Harutyunyan defeats Azerbaijani wrestler to reach bronze medal match at U23 World Championships

Armenian Greco-Roman wrestler Aramayis Harutyunyan (130 kg) claimed a dramatic victory over Azerbaijan's Maza im Mardanov in the repechage round of the 2026 U23 World Wrestling Championships, taking place in Las Vegas, USA.

The bout, held on October 14, ended 5-5, with Harutyunyan declared the winner on last-point criteria. The Armenian heavyweight had been trailing 0-5 but produced an impressive comeback, scoring five consecutive points to level the match.

Thanks to this remarkable comeback victory, Harutyunyan secured a place in the bronze medal match at the World Championships.

Earlier in the repechage, the Armenian wrestler defeated Greece's Achilles Chryssidis by technical superiority.

Harutyunyan had initially lost his opening bout to Russia's Ali Ilyasov. However, Ilyasov's qualification for the final gave the Armenian another opportunity to compete for a medal through the repechage.

Aramayis Harutyunyan will face Uzbekistan's Jokhar Uzarov in the bronze medal match.

Another Armenian wrestler to compete for bronze

On October 14, Samvel Terteryan (77 kg) will also have an opportunity to secure a medal at the U23 World Championships.

In the bronze medal bout, the Armenian wrestler will face Georgia's Henri Putkaradze, a European and world champion at U20 level.

Armenia will therefore have two more opportunities to win bronze medals on the final day of the Greco-Roman wrestling competition.

Earlier at the World Championships in Las Vegas, Gaspar Terteryan (72 kg) and Martik Petrosyan (82 kg) claimed silver medals for Armenia.

17-year-old Serine Crane loses opening bout at U23 World Championships

The women's wrestling competition also got underway on the same day.

Armenia was represented in the 50 kg category by 17-year-old Serine Diana Crane, who faced Switzerland's Senya Jungo in the round of 16.

The Armenian wrestler suffered a 7-4 defeat in her opening match.

Crane's chances of continuing in the competition now depend on her opponent's progress. If Jungo reaches the final, the Armenian wrestler will qualify for the repechage round and have another opportunity to compete for a medal.