I was filled with such determination when facing the Turk that I had no other option but victory. Malhas Amoyan

The victory I achieved against the Turk in the World Cup is dedicated to all the soldiers who fell, were wounded, and fought in the Artsakh war. I thank them for defending the homeland at the cost of their lives.

This was stated by Malhas Amoyan, who won a silver medal at the Greco-Roman wrestling World Cup held in Belgrade, Serbia, in an interview with News.am sport.

“Before the war, my mindset was different; I faced Turkish and Azerbaijani opponents in matches just like I did with representatives of other nations. Yes, there has always been a certain special attitude towards the representatives of these two neighboring countries, but now everything has changed. When I stepped onto the mat against the Turk, I was filled with such an impression and determination that I had no other exit but victory. There was no other way for my fight to end. I realized that I represent my nation, and this is a battle for my nation’s honor. The days we lived through in the last months compelled me to win on the mat. This was a victory for our soldiers; I thought I needed to win for our soldiers and for the boys who fell in the war.

When my hand was raised at the end, I felt joy. Then, when I saw how my victory over the Turk was responded to on social media, I felt even more joy and inspiration. This was my small token of gratitude to every soldier who fell, fought, or was wounded in this war, and when my hand was raised, I told myself that I dedicate this victory to them,” said Amoyan.