Three Armenian wrestlers reach semifinals of U17 Greco-Roman European Championship

On June 9, the U17 European Greco-Roman Wrestling Championship kicked off in Skopje, North Macedonia. On the opening day, preliminary bouts were held in five weight categories: 48 kg, 55 kg, 65 kg, 80 kg, and 110 kg.

The Armenian national team secured semifinal spots in three weight categories.

In the 48 kg category, Martin Manjikian claimed a hard-fought victory over the Greek wrestler with a score of 8:8 (last point advantage) and advanced to the semifinals, where he will face Azerbaijan’s Gurban Madjnunov.

In the 55 kg division, Vazgen Mnatsakanyan confidently defeated his opponents: technical victories of 9:0 over wrestlers from Serbia and Israel, and a 2:1 win against the Ukrainian earned him a place in the semifinals. He will take on Georgia’s Giorgi Chachua next.

In the 65 kg category, Janes Nazaryan reached the semifinals by beating the Moldovan 8:0 and the Russian 4:0. He will face Sweden’s Alvin Tulinder for a spot in the final.

In the 80 kg division, Vahe Hoveyan ended his run in the round of 16, losing to Russian wrestler Senik Vardanyan, who has Armenian roots. Vardanyan continues to the semifinals, where he will meet a Turkish opponent.

In the 110 kg category, Gor Mkhitaryan was eliminated in the quarterfinals after losing to a Bulgarian wrestler.