YEREVAN, OCTOBER 11, NOYAN TAPAN. Yuri Sargsian was awarded
the highest, Oscar prize of the International Olympic Committee
(IOC) at the congress of the Weightlifting International
Federation held in the days of the Weightlifting World
Championship in the city of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The renowned
Armenian sportsman's longevity in weightlifting was taken into
account when making such a decision. At the age of 45 (in 2006)
he left active sport. Y. Sargsian is twice the champion of the
world and Europe, silver prize-winner of Olympic Games, has
established 12 world records.
Tamash Ayan (Hungary), the Chairman of the Federation, an
IOC member, gave the prize to Y. Sargsian. It should be
mentioned that 15 representatives of various kinds of sport had
received IOC's Oscar before this.
Y. Sargsian has been residing in Australia since 1992. He
visits his native land, the village of Samaghar, Etchmiadzin
region, 4-5 times a year, provides assistance to the
weightlifting school founded by him, organizes and holds various
tournaments.
Armenia will offer Y. Sargsian's candidature for the post
of the Vice-Chairman of the Weightlifting International
Federation at the Federation's next congress. The congress will
be held after the Beijing-2008's games.