Ezidi Wrestler Malkhas Amoyan Shines at 2025 European Wrestling Championships – A Triumph for all Ezidis

Malkhas Amoyan, the renowned Ezidi Greco-Roman wrestler representing Armenia, has once again captivated the wrestling world with an extraordinary performance at the 2025 European Wrestling Championships held in Bratislava, Slovakia. By claiming his fourth consecutive European title in the 77 kg weight category, Amoyan not only solidified his status among the sport’s elite but also delivered what fans have voted as the Best Moment of the Tournament.

Whatch Amoyan’s performance and interview on the official Lalish TV Youtube Channel.

A Victory for the Ezidi and Armenian Peoples

Following his triumphant final, Amoyan spoke from the heart, dedicating his victory not just to his supporters but to his roots.

“I’m happy that I was able to bring joy to the Armenian and Ezidi peoples with my victory,” he said in an interview with NEWS.am Sport. “Winning is becoming more and more difficult. The pressure and responsibility are increasing. From this perspective, becoming champion wasn’t easy. I thank God, my coaches, my training partners, and everyone who has always helped and supported me.”

This heartfelt message underscored not only Amoyan’s humility and work ethic but also his pride in representing both Armenia and the ancient Ezidi people, whose history and resilience inspire him deeply.

The Road to Gold

Amoyan’s journey through the championship was nothing short of spectacular. Returning to the mat after his bronze medal performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, he delivered a dominant performance, defeating three world medallists on his way to the title:

• Round of 16: Defeated Mateusz Bernatek (Poland) — 9:0
• Quarterfinal: Defeated Alexandru Solovei (Moldova) — 7:2
• Semifinal: Defeated Hayk Mnatsakanyan (Bulgaria) — 5:1
• Final: Defeated Ramaz Zoidze (Georgia) — 3:1

Each match showcased Amoyan’s technical brilliance, mental resilience, and strategic command. His final bout against Georgia’s Zoidze, a world championship bronze medalist, was a calculated and confident performance that secured his place atop the podium once more.

Fan Favorite and International Recognition

Amoyan’s remarkable campaign at the championship didn’t just earn him gold — it earned him the admiration of fans worldwide. In a poll conducted by United World Wrestling, 37% of fans selected Amoyan’s performance as the “Best Moment of the 2025 European Championships.” He beat out the team champions from Azerbaijan (30%) and other individual stars such as Hungary’s Dávid Losonczi and Bulgaria’s Kiril Milov.

United World Wrestling highlighted his victory on social media, stating:

“European Championships Biggest Moment: In his first competition back since winning his Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medal, Malkhas Amoyan beat three world medalists en route to claiming his fourth consecutive European title.”

A Historic Legacy

Now 26 years old, Malkhas Amoyan has reached the final in each of the last five European Championships, earning four gold medals and one silver. Known as the “Ezidi Lion”, he continues to inspire not only wrestling fans but also young athletes from the Ezidi people and beyond who look to him as a symbol of strength, determination, and pride in one’s heritage.