For the second consecutive year, Armenia’s Varazdat Lalayan became world champion at the 2025 World Weightlifting Championships held in Førde, Norway, lifting a combined total of 461 kg (211 + 250) in the super heavyweight category.
The reigning world champion won small gold medals in both the snatch and clean & jerk events, along with the overall gold, bringing three gold medals in total to the Armenian team.
The medal fight featured strong performances from the two Armenian lifters and Iran’s Ali Davoudi, who were among the leading contenders in the +110 kg category. The contest continued in the clean & jerk, but it quickly became clear that the battle for the overall gold would come down to the two Armenians — Varazdat Lalayan and Gor Minasyan.
Representing Bahrain, Minasyan lifted 242 kg in his first successful attempt, while Lalayan, representing Armenia, responded with 245 kg. Following his second attempt, Lalayan lifted 250 kg, securing the world champion title. He then attempted to set a new world record with 261 kg, but was unable to complete the lift.
Gor Minasyan, representing Bahrain, won the silver medal in the championship.
Thus, the Armenian national team, participating in this championship with seven weightlifters, finished the World Weightlifting Championships in Førde with a total of three gold, one silver, and one bronze medal.
The medal ceremony was attended by Arayik Harutyunyan, Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Armenia and President of the Armenian Weightlifting Federation, who joined the awards presentation to honor the athletes’ achievements.
