Robert and Artem Arutyunyan explained why it is important not to forget your roots

Robert and Artem Harutyunyan – names well known in German boxing.
Originally from Armenia and raised in Germany, they are a shining example of successful integration — yet they firmly emphasize: one must never forget their roots.

They arrived in Germany in the early 1990s as children, during the height of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict. Their parents instilled in them a simple but strong philosophy: work hard, respect the law, learn the language, and move forward — but never lose yourself. It was on this foundation that the brothers built their careers in sports: Artem became a bronze medalist at the 2016 Olympics, and Robert, after ending his career, turned to coaching and management.

Boxing became their school of life and second family. Sport taught them discipline, responsibility, and resilience. Today, they are a source of pride for German sport, yet they remain deeply connected to Armenia. “In hospitality, the ability to share our last, and respect for parents — we will always be Armenian,” they say.

While they value German traits like punctuality and order, they make no secret of their Armenian identity. In fact, in 2019, Artem firmly refused to change his surname for a more marketable image, despite common practice in professional boxing. “I represented Germany for ten years, served in the Bundeswehr. How can one ask me to give up my name just to be seen as a ‘true German’?” he says indignantly.

Artem Harutyunyan won a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympic Games, later switching to professional boxing, where he currently holds a record of 14 wins and 2 losses.
Today, the brothers live in Hamburg and raise their children in a spirit of multilingualism and cultural openness. Armenian, Russian, and German are spoken at home. They believe that language is the key to integration, but culture and roots are the foundation without which a person cannot be whole.

Artem and Robert Harutyunyan at a rally in support of Artsakh

The brothers regularly visit Armenia, where they have a home near Yerevan. They care deeply about their homeland, feel the pain of their people, and yet believe in Armenia’s future. “Despite the hardships and fear of a new war, Armenia is moving forward,” says Robert.

Their voices could resonate louder in the political arena. Topics like migration, integration, and combating xenophobia are close to their hearts. Yet they have seen little interest from the authorities so far. “We are ready to take part, to share our experience. But someone has to reach out to us,” they say.

Robert and Artem Harutyunyan are not just a story of success — they are an example.
An example of how sport can build bridges between cultures. How one can be a true citizen of their new country while preserving the warmth and strength of the land where their journey began.

Source: Interview for the official website of the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB)