Armenia Ready for 2026 World Greco-Roman Wrestling Championships: Amoyan Targets Third Gold

Armenia's national Greco-Roman wrestling team is completing its preparations for the 2026 World Championships, scheduled to take place from October 24 to November 1 in Astana, Kazakhstan. Ahead of the tournament, the national team held an open training session, after which head coach Armen Babalaryan and several leading wrestlers discussed their preparations, physical condition, and ambitions for the upcoming championships.

Armenia's head coach Armen Babalaryan gave a positive assessment of his athletes' physical condition, noting that the team had completed a comprehensive preparation program consisting of four stages and several training camps.

According to the coach, although some wrestlers are dealing with minor health issues, there are currently no serious obstacles that would prevent them from competing at the World Championships.

"There are always wrestlers dealing with injuries in the national team, but at this point, those injuries should not prevent us from participating in the World Championships. Everyone included in the squad is ready to compete," Armenpress quoted Babalaryan as saying.

The head coach also emphasized that the Armenian team is gradually undergoing a generational transition. In his opinion, this is a natural process that does not prevent the squad from remaining competitive on the international stage.

Malkhas Amoyan Aims for Third World Championship Gold

One of Armenia's leading medal contenders in Astana will be Malkhas Amoyan (77 kg), a bronze medalist at the 2024 Olympic Games, a two-time world champion, and a five-time European champion.

Amoyan, who won world titles in 2021 and 2025, has made no secret of his ambition to add another gold medal to his collection.

"We have completed several training camps and are now approaching the end of our final preparation phase. I will do everything possible to win my third World Championship gold medal," the wrestler said.

According to Amoyan, the responsibility increases with each new World Championships, but the strong team spirit within the Armenian squad gives him additional confidence.

"We have a very strong national team. We always support one another and know that we can rely on our teammates," he added.

Karen Aslanyan Ready to Fight for Gold

Karen Aslanyan (63 kg), who has previously won a World Championship bronze medal and a European Championship silver medal, is also approaching the tournament with optimism.

The wrestler said he was satisfied with his physical condition and the quality of his preparations. However, he acknowledged that competition in his weight category has become significantly tougher in recent years.

"Physically, I feel good. We have had excellent training camps and are approaching the tournament in the condition we need to be in. I am feeling positive and aiming to fight for the gold medal. We will do everything possible and battle until the very end," Aslanyan said.

According to the Armenian wrestler, psychological preparation plays a crucial role at competitions of this level. Aslanyan believes that the most important victory begins with overcoming oneself and that each opponent requires an individual approach.

Suren Aghajanyan Set for Senior World Championship Debut

The upcoming tournament will be particularly significant for Suren Aghajanyan (60 kg), who will make his debut at the senior World Championships.

The reigning European and world champion at U23 level is determined to continue his success against senior-level competition.

"This will be my first senior World Championships. But my goal remains the same — I am going there to win," Aghajanyan emphasized.

The young wrestler admitted that he has not yet reached peak physical condition but expects to be in optimal shape by the time the competition begins.

Armenia's Squad for the 2026 World Championships

Armenia will be represented in all ten Greco-Roman wrestling weight categories at the World Championships in Astana.

• 55 kg — Norayr Akhoyan

• 60 kg — Suren Aghajanyan

• 63 kg — Karen Aslanyan

• 67 kg — Slavik Galstyan

• 72 kg — Ashot Khachatryan

• 77 kg — Malkhas Amoyan

• 82 kg — Samvel Grigoryan

• 87 kg — Gevorg Tadevosyan

• 97 kg — Hayk Khloyan

• 130 kg — Razmik Kurdyan

Armenia will therefore head into the World Championships with a combination of experienced, decorated athletes and promising young wrestlers. For the younger members of the squad, the tournament will provide an opportunity to prove themselves on the senior international stage.

The 2026 World Wrestling Championships will take place from October 24 to November 1 in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.