Narek Mkrtchyan Wins Silver at the 2026 World Junior Championships

Armenian weightlifter Narek Mkrtchyan won the silver medal at the 2026 World Junior Championships, which are taking place in Egypt.

In the men’s 79 kg weight category, Mkrtchyan posted a total of 336 kg. In the snatch, the Armenian athlete lifted 150 kg and finished fifth, while in the clean and jerk he placed third with a result of 186 kg.

The winner of the competition was Egypt’s Abdulrahman Hamouda, who recorded a total of 341 kg. The top three was completed by Didarbek Zhumabayev of Turkmenistan with a result of 335 kg.

Mkrtchyan’s silver became Armenia’s first “big” medal at the tournament. Earlier, Armenian athletes had won a small gold and a small silver medal.

Results. Men’s 79 kg

1. Abdulrahman Hamouda, Egypt — 341 kg, 153+188
2. Narek Mkrtchyan, Armenia — 336 kg, 150+186
3. Didarbek Zhumabayev, Turkmenistan — 335 kg, 148+187

Also competing today for Armenia was Mary Misakyan. In the women’s 69 kg weight category, she finished in 6th place.