Unforgettable Victory: Martin Berberyan

Every victory is important and significant for any athlete and each of those victories has its own place in their lives.

Mediamax Sport is launching a new series where the Armenian athletes will recount their “Unforgettable Victory.”

Freestyle wrestler, European champion, winner of bronze medal in the World Championship, participant of Olympic Games Martin Berberyan opens the series.

I have taken part in a number of tournaments and had both losses and victories. But I should admit that I gained my most unforgettable victory in 2004. 11 years ago I managed to defeat the Turkish wrestler in the European Championship final and win the gold medal. My memories of that final cannot be erased.

That victory was not solely mine. Armenians around the world were praying for me on that day. Let’s not forget that the European Championship was being held in Turkish capital – Ankara – and I was to compete on April 24. All Armenians dreamed of this victory over the Turkish athlete on the day of commemoration of the innocent victims of the Armenian Genocide. I am glad I managed to handle that situation with honor and fulfilled the dream of my compatriots.



I cannot explain what happened to me when the fight was over and the referee raised my hand. It was one of the happiest days in my life. When I returned to Armenia and saw how many people had gathered at “Zvartnots” airport and how happy my achievement had made them feel, I realized the greatness of that victory.

It has been my most unforgettable victory and although 10 years have already passed, I still experience those unspeakable emotions whenever I recall that day.

Gohar Nalbandian traveled back to 2004 and again rejoiced at Martin Berberyan’s victory along with him.