Armenia’s Defense Ministry Claims Top Wrestlers Were Excluded from Military Championship to Prevent “Speculation”

As the 37th World Military Wrestling Championship approaches, Colonel Arman Davtyan, head of physical training and sports for the Armenian Armed Forces, addressed journalists in Yerevan today to discuss the Armenian team’s lineup for the event. During the press conference, Davtyan confirmed that some of Armenia’s most celebrated wrestlers, including European champion Vazgen Tevanyan and Olympic medalist Malkhas Amoyan, would not be participating.

The decision, he explained, was made to comply with the international charter of military sports and to prevent “speculation” that could arise from their inclusion.

“Armenia, as the host country, was guided by the strict observance of all points of the international charter of military sports,” Davtyan explained. “If other athletes were to be involved in the tournament, many speculations would be possible.”

Notable names like Malkhas Amoyan, Arsen Harutyunyan, Vazgen Tevanyan, Arman Andreasyan, Manvel Khndzrtsyan, Vigen Nazaryan, Gevorg Tadevosyan, and Knyaz Iboyan will be absent.

Instead, the Armenian team will consist primarily of conscripts from the armed forces' sports company. While these athletes are talented, they lack the international recognition of their absent compatriots.

The announcement has ignited debate, with critics questioning the impact of the decision on Armenia’s reputation and the athletes' morale.

The exclusion of well-known wrestlers has sparked public criticism. European champion Vazgen Tevanyan expressed his frustration on social media, writing: “Unfortunately, our team will not participate in this event with its strongest composition. Such situations have a negative impact not only on our team but also on the reputation of the army, sports, and our country in general.”

Tevanyan also lamented the lack of clear reasoning behind the decision, stating: “We speak not only as Armenians, but also as warriors and athletes, for whom sport is not only a competition, but also a way to represent our country's reputation in the international arena.”

“We speak not only as Armenians, but also as warriors and athletes, for whom sport is not only a competition, but also a way to represent our country's reputation in the international arena. On November 20-24, the World Army Championship will be held in Yerevan. Unfortunately, our team will not participate in this event with its strongest composition. The reasons for this decision are also unclear to us, as no clear interpretation or explanation was given. Such situations have a negative impact not only on our team, but also on the reputation of the army, sports and our country in general. Moreover, they question our readiness to maintain and strengthen faith in the motherland in all dimensions," wrote European champion Vazgen Tevanyan.

The Wrestling Federation of Armenia (WFA) distanced itself from the decisions surrounding the championship. In an official statement, the WFA emphasized its lack of involvement in the selection process for the military championship and expressed disappointment over the absence of well-known wrestlers.  

“It is unfortunate for us that famous and well-known athletes were not included in this tournament,” the statement read. However, the WFA also urged support for the selected athletes, emphasizing that all wrestlers representing Armenia would give their utmost effort for the honor of their country.  

The WFA also called on the public to support all Armenian wrestlers, regardless of their experience, and highlighted the critical role of coaches in nurturing national talent.

"Taking into account the recent situation, we consider it necessary to present the following clarifications. The Wrestling Federation of Armenia (WFA) has nothing to do with the organization, holding and selection of the Army World Championship. The current situation, where a number of famous athletes have been left out of the Armenian national team, remains unclear to us, as the grounds for that decision have not been presented to the WFA. However, we consider it necessary to emphasize that the sportsmen included in our national team, who represent Armenia, fight for the honor and tricolor of our country with the same dedication. It is unfortunate for us that famous and well-known athletes were not included in this tournament, but we expect that all our wrestlers, regardless of their experience or past, will represent Armenia with dignity with the direct support of coaches. As for our coaches, their role in the lives and careers of our athletes is invaluable. They, like a parent, dedicatedly educated and supported their students for years, making them athletes who represent our country with honor. At this responsible moment, coaches cannot leave their students alone, regardless of the situation. They have always been and will be by their side as an indispensable source of inspiration, guidance and support. The dedication and care of the coaches is not only the pillar of sports success, but also the preservation of our national values ​​and honor. Therefore, we urge you to refrain from comments that may offend or devalue our athletes and coaches. All our wrestlers are doing their best, fulfilling their professional duty in honor of the Republic of Armenia." - Wrestling Federation of Armenia statement.

The championship is not without political controversy. Azerbaijan, Armenia's regional rival, has declined to participate in the tournament. Colonel Davtyan clarified that invitations to such events are managed by the International Council of Military Sports, and Armenia had no involvement in Azerbaijan’s decision not to attend.

“The Azerbaijani national team did not submit an application and did not arrive in Armenia,” he stated.

Adding to the tensions, media expert Tigran Kocharyan wrote on social media that the Turkish national anthem would be played during the event, possibly at Tsitsernakaberd, a site of profound historical significance for Armenians. Kocharyan criticized the absence of Armenia’s top wrestlers, alleging that the decision could pave the way for Turkey to dominate the competition.  

“The national anthem of Turkey will be played in Tsitsernakaberd, and the Armenian military will stand up under it,” he wrote, further intensifying the debate.  

Despite the controversies, Colonel Davtyan called for unity and support for the Armenian athletes participating in the championship. “I expect everyone's support for all our soldiers, so that they can perform even better and get medals,” he urged. 

Armenian athletes, regardless of their level of experience, are competing not only as wrestlers but as representatives of their country’s resilience and values.

As the championship unfolds, it will serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between sports, politics, and national identity. For athletes and fans alike, it is a moment to celebrate the spirit of competition and unity on the international stage.