Armen Nazaryan to go on hunger strike in protest of IOC decision

PanARMENIAN.Net - Two-time Olympic Champion, six-time European Champion and three-time World Champion, famed Armenian wrestler Armen Nazaryan has announced a decision to go on hunger strike starting Feb 27, protesting IOC recommendation to drop wrestling from 2020 Olympics.

“I’ve won different medals throughout my wrestling career. I won’t let such a thing happen. That would mean our achievements will lose their value. I initiated the action for the purpose,” Nazaryan told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

According to the Olympic champion, he won’t face any difficulties during the hunger strike, as he often lost 18-25 kg in his career.

“Bulgarian Wrestling Federation positively assessed my decision. We will do the utmost to keep wrestling in the Olympic program,” he said, stressing the need for wrestling to continue developing.

Nazaryan said he will train the Bulgarian team for the European Championship, voicing confidence that the hunger strike won’t negatively affect his work.