Armenian weightlifters return home to hero's welcome after European Championships

The Armenian weightlifting team received a hero’s welcome at Yerevan's Zvartnots Airport last night after returning from the 2025 European Weightlifting Championships held in Chișinău, Moldova, on April 13-21.

Two-time European champion and Paris 2024 Olympian Garik Karapetyan clinched gold with a total lift of 411 kg, dominating both the snatch (185 kg) and clean & jerk (226 kg) events.

Silver medalist Liana Gyurjyan, returning to the podium after a three-year injury setback, described the medal as deeply meaningful: “All those setbacks were the start of my comeback," she told reporters.

Gor Sahakyan also claimed silver with a combined total of 338 kg, though he admitted it fell short of his goal: “I was aiming for gold, but this is sport and there’s more ahead," he said.

The Armenian Olympic Committee, fans and family members were present to greet the team.