Armenian Weightlifters Shine at European Championship: Hakob Mkrtchyan Crowned Champion, Davit Hovhannisyan Takes Silver

At the European Weightlifting Championship in Sofia, the 96 kg men's category witnessed an intense battle for supremacy between two Armenian contenders, Hakob Mkrtchyan and Davit Hovhannisyan. Ultimately, Hakob Mkrtchyan emerged victorious, claiming the title of European champion with a total lift of 375 kg in the two-event competition. Meanwhile, Davit Hovhannisyan, the reigning champion in 2022 and 2023, secured a silver medal with an impressive total of 374 kg.

The snatch exercise set the stage for an intense start. Hakob Mkrtchyan, beginning with a successful lift of 161 kg, showcased his strength. Despite faltering at 166 kg on his second attempt and missing the 168 kg mark on the third, Mkrtchyan secured the second position in the snatch exercise with a result of 166 kg.

Davit Hovhannisyan faced initial challenges, failing to lift 166 kg on his first attempt but bouncing back with a successful lift on the second. Hovhannisyan then claimed the gold in the snatch exercise by confidently lifting 169 kg on his third attempt.

Moving on to the push-up exercise, both athletes displayed remarkable strength by effortlessly lifting 200 kg in their initial attempts. Hovhannisyan continued his dominance, successfully pushing the 205 kg barbell on his second try. Mkrtchyan matched this feat and then surpassed it by lifting 209 kg on his third attempt, securing the lead in the two-event competition. Hovhannisyan, attempting 210 kg for his final lift, couldn't secure it, settling for the silver in the push-up exercise.

With a total result of 375 kg, Hakob Mkrtchyan claimed the European championship title, while Davit Hovhannisyan's impressive total of 374 kg earned him the well-deserved runner-up position. The Armenian weightlifting duo's outstanding performances add to the country's legacy in the sport and shows their excellence on the international stage.