On November 16-17 the first Junior Greco-Roman Wrestling Memorial Tournament after the USSR and RF Merited coach Harutyun Khachatryan was held at Dinamo sports complex organized by Harutyun Khachatryan's alumni.

During two days junior wrestlers fought for a champion title. Gold medalists became Robert Karapetyan (42kg), Ashot Mkhitaryan (46kg), Hovhannes Azatyan (50kg), Ashot Kirakosyan (54kg), Tigran Minasyan (58kg), Hrachyan Poghosyan (63kg), Malkhas Amoyan (69kg), Davit Poghosyan (76kg), Tigran Hambardzumyan (85kg) and Karapet Ayvazyan (100kg).

Harutyun Khachatryan had coached many well-known athletes. Among them are many multiple winners of Olympic Games, World and European Championships.

Silver medalist of Barcelona Olympics, World and European champion, Greco-Roman wrestler Alfred Ter-Mkrtchayan remembered this way the USSR and RA Merited Coach Harutyun Khachatryan," He was a very kind person, full of positive emotions. Besides of being a good coach he treated me like a father".

Another World and European champion Benur Pashyan said, "When I think about Harutyun Khachatryan I remember coach Albert Mnacakanyan. They were close friends. Harutyun Khachatryan had a great contribution to the development of wrestling in Armenia. He had a special style of working. And this style became known out of Armenia through us, dinamo wrestlers''.

A Greco-Roman wrestler, Olympic Games bronze medalist, multiple World prize winner, two-time European champion in 59 w.c. Roman Amoyan noted, ''The idea of holding this tournament belong to Mr. Harutyun Khachatryan's alumni. We gathered and decided to organize a tournament in memory of our beloved coach. We hope in future it will become international and very popular'', said the wrestler to an ANOC reporter.

The Memorial Tournament was attended by more than 230 wrestlers. The athletes were awarded by honorary diplomas and medals. Malkhas Amoyan recognized as the best wrestler of the tournament was given a monetary award. The gold medalist in 58kg weight class Tigran Minasyan was also rewarded.

ANOC press department