Ezidi wrestler Malkhas Amoyan has once again made history in Greco-Roman wrestling, becoming European Champion for the fifth time. Competing in the 77 kg category at the European Greco-Roman Wrestling Championship in Tirana, Albania, Amoyan won gold and confirmed his position as one of the most successful wrestlers in Europe.
The Armenian national team also achieved an unprecedented result at the championship, winning five medals in total. Alongside Amoyan’s gold medal, Suren Aghajanyan won silver in the 60 kg category, while Karen Aslanyan, Slavik Galstyan and Gaspar Terteryan secured bronze medals in their respective weight classes. Armenia finished fourth in the team ranking.
In an interview with Iravunk.com sports journalist Hovhannes Sargsyan, Amoyan spoke about the difficulty of winning his fifth European title. He explained that each year brings greater pressure and responsibility, because the expectation to win becomes stronger. Despite this, he said he was able to gather his strength, remain focused and finish the championship as a winner.
Speaking about the final against Zoidze, Amoyan admitted that he was not fully satisfied with the way he wrestled. However, he emphasized that the most important thing was to leave the mat with victory. Since the two wrestlers had faced each other many times before, Amoyan knew he had to be careful and avoid mistakes against a technically strong and dangerous opponent.
Amoyan also revealed that he had suffered from health problems before the European Championship. He said that he had been ill for a long period, but did everything possible to prevent it from affecting his performance.
“My faith in God and my faith in the path I have taken gave me strength for this victory,” Amoyan said. “Every second on the mat, I feel the support of the Ezidi and Armenian people.”
For Ezidis, Amoyan’s success carries deep symbolic meaning. As an Ezidi athlete representing Armenia at the highest international level, his victories are not only sporting achievements, but also moments of pride for the Ezidi people. His discipline, faith and repeated success continue to inspire many young Ezidis who see in him an example of strength, dignity and perseverance.
Amoyan, who is also a two-time World Champion and Olympic bronze medallist, said he will continue working toward future victories, including at the World Championship.
Original source: Iravunk.com, interview prepared by Hovhannes Sargsyan.
