In a marked display of unsportsmanlike conduct, Azerbaijani athletes exhibited disrespect towards the Armenian national anthem after losing to their respective Armenian opponents. This series of contentious acts occurred during the awards ceremony at the European Junior Boxing Championships, held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Azerbaijani athletes also refused to be photographed on the podium with Armenian athletes who became champions and did not shake hands with the Armenian gold medalists.
Azerbaijani boxer Nihat Gasimov, who won a silver medal, disrespected the Armenian anthem by turning his back to the Armenian winner and taking out his phone while on the podium after losing to Armenian champion Simon Simonyan. He also refused to be photographed with the Armenian champion and other medalists on the podium.
Another Azerbaijani boxer, Aylin Nazarova, who won a bronze medal, disrespected the Armenian anthem by leaving the podium during the anthem after losing to Armenian champion Hamest Afrikyan. She also refused to be photographed with the Armenian champion and other medalists on the podium.
These actions have sparked a conversation about sportsmanship and respect in international sporting events. The refusal to acknowledge competitors from Armenia not only breached the decorum expected at such events but also undermined the spirit of unity and fair play that sports are meant to foster.
Armenia showcased a strong performance at the EUBC Junior European Boxing Championships in Sarajevo, clinching second place overall. The Armenia team triumphed with three gold, six silver, and one bronze medals throughout the competition. Hamest Afrikyan emerged victorious in the women’s 48kg category, defeating Italy’s Giorgia la Rosa to secure gold on Sunday, June 30. In the men’s divisions, Simon Simonyan won a unanimous decision over Azerbaijan’s Nihat Gasimov in the 48kg final, while Samvel Siramargyan claimed the 75kg title against Arsenii Stolnikov. Other notable performances included silver medals won by Artyom Stepanyan, Aleks Petrosyan, Arno Darchinyan, Tihran Ovsepian, Syuzanna Ishkhanyan, and Martin Sahakyan. Additionally, Hrach Khachatryan added a bronze to Armenia’s impressive medal haul.
