Narek Mkrtchyan Wins Bronze at the 2026 European U20 Weightlifting Championships

Armenian weightlifter Narek Mkrtchyan (85 kg) has claimed a bronze medal at the 2026 European U20 Weightlifting Championships, currently taking place in Durrës, Albania. The athlete from Vanadzor earned two bronze medals — one in the snatch and another in the overall total.

Mkrtchyan delivered a confident performance in the snatch, successfully completing all three attempts. The Armenian lifter raised 145, 150, and 153 kg in succession. His best lift secured third place and a bronze medal in the snatch.

The clean and jerk proved more challenging. Mkrtchyan successfully lifted 185 kg but failed both of his subsequent attempts at 189 kg. As a result, he finished fourth in this discipline.

With a combined total of 338 kg (153+185), Narek Mkrtchyan secured third place overall and claimed the bronze medal at the European U20 Championships.

Moldova's Alexander Baldi won the European title in the 85 kg category with a total of 347 kg. Kosovo's Brian Ibanez took silver with 346 kg.

2026 European U20 Weightlifting Championships Results — Men's 85 kg

1. Alexander Baldi (Moldova) — 347 kg (155+192)

2. Brian Ibanez (Kosovo) — 346 kg (158+188)

3. Narek Mkrtchyan (Armenia) — 338 kg (153+185)

Araik Harutyunyan, President of the Armenian Weightlifting Federation, participated in the medal ceremony for the men's 85 kg category.

With this result, the Armenian national team continues its successful campaign at the European Junior and U23 Weightlifting Championships in Albania, adding another overall medal to its growing collection.