Arman Avanesyan Named Best Athlete of the 2025 World Games

Armenian sambo fighter Arman Avanesyan became one of the main heroes of the 2025 World Games held in Chengdu, China. At the official ceremony, he was honored with a special award as the best athlete of the competition.

The award ceremony took place during the combat sambo tournament, where Avanesyan won the gold medal in the 98 kg weight category. The award and a commemorative diploma were presented to him by the President of the International Sambo Federation (FIAS), Vasily Shestakov, and the President of the International World Games Association (IWGA), José Perurena.

Avanesyan admitted that the road to victory was full of challenges:
“From the very first moments, it was clear that there would be no easy fights. My first opponent was a two-time world champion, the second was also a titled fighter, and in the final I faced the European champion. Each match was a real exam, but everything we invested in preparation paid off. I thank God and everyone who stood by me and supported me,” said Avanesyan.

The athlete stressed that 2025 has been a special year for him:
“I won the European Championship, the World Games… but the biggest victory is the birth of my son. For me, this is truly a year of triumph. Now my main goal is the World Championship in November.”

Avanesyan also addressed young athletes:
“Never give up. Even defeats make you stronger. Believe in your dreams and follow them to the end — your time will surely come.”