For Azerbaijanis It Was a 'Shame', No Gold Medal Received. It Was Touching That the Armenian Anthem Played in Baku: Gagik Khachatryan

Janes Nazaryan's gold medal allowed the Armenian anthem to be played in Azerbaijan for the first time in many years. This was noted by Gagik Khachatryan, the head coach of the Armenian Greco-Roman wrestling team for under-17s, during a press conference today.

“It was very emotional and inspiring when the Armenian anthem sounded in the Baku hall,” the coach stated.

Although the tournament was held in Azerbaijan, no Azerbaijani athlete managed to win a gold medal.

“The Azerbaijani team had a few more medals, but they did not have any gold. They were very sad. All the gold medals were distributed around the world, but they couldn’t achieve gold on their own territory. It was very 'shameful' for them,” he said.

In contrast, Janes Nazaryan's gold medal meant that the Armenian anthem was heard in Azerbaijan after many years.

“I am pleased with the boys. Considering where we participated, the results are satisfactory. I am very happy, proud, and impressed with Janes Nazaryan. It was very emotional and inspiring when the Armenian anthem played in the Baku hall. We thought they wouldn’t let us win, but the opposite happened. The refereeing was at a high level. If they wanted to, they could have intervened, but they didn’t,” he added.

“That moment was very touching, that we were able to achieve it. We thought they might not allow it, but it turned out that there were no issues regarding Janes's competition,” said the head coach, noting that Janes was in good shape and ready to repeat the success of the world championship in Baku.