Boxer Artur Hovhannisyan ensured one of the quotas for Armenian Olympic team.
Mediamax Sport hosted the 20-year-old sportsman.
- What led you to boxing?
- I went to Greco-Roman wrestling. I was 11 years old when my current coach Manvel Gabrielyan, a family friend, came to our house. He said he wanted me to come to their training. My brother and I decided to go once, we watched the training and liked it, and began to train too.
- How do you overcome difficulties?
- By constant work. I always try to fix my mistakes. My dad helps me, especially when I lose. He always encourages me, says I should continue fighting.
- What do you dislike in boxing?
- Unfair decisions of referees.
- What does one need to success in boxing?
- Will and hard work.
- You’re only 20 years old. Did you expect to win an Olympic quota?
- It was only a dream just a few years ago. Many people didn’t believe in our team, but we knew we would definitely take quotas.
Artur HovhannisyanPhoto: Mediamax
- Let’s get to Rio. You’re partaking in the Olympiad for the first time. How do you get in the right mood?
- I achieved only half of my goal by getting the quota. I have to win a medal to complete it. It’ll be hard in Rio, everyone will fight till the end, but so will I.
- What do you know about Brazil?
- I think it’s more famous as a football country. It gave plenty of well-known and talented football players to the world.
- What virus raged in Brazil recently?
- Zika virus. People even said that the Olympiad would be held in a different country because of that.
Artur HovhannisyanPhoto: Mediamax
- What place in Armenia would you recommend Brazilians to visit?
- Tatev, it’s a beautiful place. However, our country is rich with sights. They can also visit Gyumri.
- Where would you take them in Gyumri?
- First we’ll have a dinner (laughs - edit.). Then we’ll visit various cultural places.
- What is Armenia famous for in the world?
- We’re a country with rich culture. I think we’re also famous in sports. Our athletes worked hard after we gained independence and made Armenia known.
- Finish these sentences, please.
- The greatest happiness…
- Is an achieved success.
- If I weren’t a boxer, I would…
- Be a goldsmith or a cook.
- You can’t train in sport without…
- A competent coach who gives good advice.
Gohar Nalbandyan talked to Artur Hovhannisyan
Photos by Emin Aristakesyan
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