On May 17 Champions Cup wrestling tournament will be held in Krasnodar which will be organized by world and European Greco-Roman wrestling champion Stepan Maryanyan. Many famous wrestlers will take part in the tournament, including Olympic and European Games silver medalist Mihran Harutyunyan.

In an interview with the ANOC press service he told about the motives for participating in the tournament and future plans.

-Your return is actively discussed in the social networks. May we say you are back in professional wrestling?

-Definitely, I’m back and I want to show everyone I’m number one in my weight class. And it’s not in word only but on the mat. If anyone wants to prove he is better then tell me place and time and I’ll be there.

 -Why did you decide to participate in this tournament?

-I had to start from somewhere. The offer came from my friend Stepan Maryanyan and I accepted it.

-Are you back in wrestling by 100% or are you going to combine it with the MMA?

-At this moment I’m on the mat but I’ll combine them as there is a great desire and probability I’ll perform at the MMA for Armenian fans on July 6.

-You have missed all Armenian championships since Rio 2016 and lost you place in the team.

-The place in the team wasn’t presented me or booked I’ve won it with my performances. This time I don’t expect any present, either. I’ll prove I’m the best and that place is mine. If, of course, no one plays dark tricks.

-The Armenian Championship will probably be held in November. Are you going to take part in it, and if you are, in which weight class?

-Everything depends on what the Armenian Championship will give me. If it is for the Olympic Games I’ll join it. I have had no intention to become Armenia’s champion for a long time. I think I have already proved everything to everybody in Armenia but if it is necessary for the Olympic Games I’ll be there. I’ll perform at 67kg, nothing has changed.

 -What plans concerning to wrestling do you have?

-To bring back what was stolen in Rio 2016, my target is Tokyo 2020.