Karen SARGSYAN: “The Secret Was in the Grip – My Soul Is in the Anthem”

The World Cup winner speaks about his triumph on home soil and his sights set on Tbilisi.

Armenian athlete Karen Sargsyan claimed gold in Sport SAMBO in the under-58 kg category at the World Cup held in Yerevan, Armenia. He spoke to the FIAS website right after the final bout to share what the victory meant to him.

What are your first impressions – how are you feeling right now?

– It's an incredible feeling, hard to put into words. I'm just so happy that everyone who came out to support us today is going home in a good mood. The full realization of what happened will probably sink in tomorrow.

The bout was incredibly tight – 1:1, decided by the last scoring action. How did you manage to outmaneuver such a strong opponent – Russia's reigning European Champion, Pavel Ivanov?

– Beating a reigning European Champion is a huge honor. It proves to me that I belong at this level and that I will be fighting for European and World titles. My coach, Armen Adamyan, and I had worked out our game plan in advance. He gave me clear instructions, and throughout the match he kept guiding me from the stands.

What was that key piece of advice – what was the real secret to the win?

– The secret was relentless pressure. I had to be the aggressor, keep attacking, and – most importantly – control my opponent's working arm. By maintaining a tight grip, I essentially neutralized it and took away his ability to execute his signature move.

You competed on home soil. How much did the crowd's support mean to you?

– The support was absolutely overwhelming. It gave me so much energy and motivation. Knowing that you're competing in your own country, and that people have made a special effort to come and cheer for you – that's both a tremendous honor and a real responsibility. I'm just glad I could make them happy.

Is being a role model for the next generation also part of the mission?

– Absolutely – that's the most important thing of all. You have to set a worthy example.

Today, the Armenian national anthem played in your honor. What does that moment mean to you?

– That anthem is my soul – it's everything to me. That's what I train for, every single day. Nothing but forward, never a step back.

Can this medal be seen as not just a personal achievement, but a victory for the whole team and the whole country?

– That's exactly what it is – our shared victory. I know there are people cheering for me who I've never even met. Their joy makes this medal mean that much more.

What are your plans for the next major competitions?

– The next goal is the European Championships in Tbilisi. I'm going there for nothing less than gold. And then in November, the World Championships – I'll absolutely be there competing as well.