Greco-Roman freestyle wrestler Vaghinak Galustyan became World champion in 2001. He currently works at the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Armenia.
Vaghinak believes the victory he can describe as unforgettable is the victory he gained in the World Championship final. Mediamax Sport’s “Unforgettable Victory” series has hosted Vaghinak Galustyan.
A great change took place in my life before the World Championship and after it. The victory I achieved in the World Championship final is the most impressive in my life. I was 28 back then. Many experts believe it’s not easy to make strides at that age, but my personal coach Samvel Gevorgyan and team’s head coach Levon Julfalakyan had faith in me and trusted in that important tournament.
My opponent was Kim In-Sub in the final. At the 2000 Olympics he lost to our Armenian Greco- Roman wrestler Armen Nazaryan in 58 weight class and earned the silver medal. But when your opponent is stronger, you train two-three times better for the fight with him. The fight started and I was losing 2-0, but I pulled myself together and won 8-3.
I have been training since 10 and I knew it from the first day what I wanted. Finally, after so many years I became a World champion... everything was beyond description. You know, I have overcome many difficulties in my life, we were living in hard times, we were at war – those were difficult years. Perhaps that is why I appreciate the gratification and delight of this victory this much.
When I look back over the years, certain regret “wraps me up.” I regret not having many such moments and victories, I regret not being able to wrestle anymore and I regret not having performed to my fullest potential. But I also feel proud of being able to overcome a myriad of difficulties and become a World champion.
Gohar Nalbandian talked to Vaghinak Galustian
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