On September 7, the Dynamo Sports Hall in Yerevan hosted an international SAMBO tournament dedicated to the memory of Levon Hayrapetyan — founder and director of the Olympic Youth Sports School of SAMBO and Judo, Honored Master of Sport of the USSR, Honored Coach of both the USSR and the Republic of Armenia, international referee of the highest “extra” category, and Honored Worker of Physical Culture and Sport of Armenia.

Before the start of the competition, organizers and guests visited the Yerablur Pantheon to pay tribute to the outstanding figure in Armenian sport.

The tournament featured dynamic and memorable bouts, where athletes demonstrated high-level technique and impressive throws. The atmosphere combined the spirit of competition with deep respect for Levon Hayrapetyan’s legacy.

Among the speakers were Emin Rashi, head coach and representative of the Georgian team, and Levon Hayrapetyan’s son, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, director of the Olympic Youth Sports School of SAMBO and Judo named after his father. In his address, Mkhitar highlighted the importance of the tournament, held annually since 2019, and underlined the efforts of his brother, Mikael Hayrapetyan, President of the Armenian SAMBO Federation, whose contribution has played a key role in promoting and developing SAMBO in the country.

“The Levon Hayrapetyan Memorial Tournament is not only a sporting event but also an important step in preserving and strengthening the traditions of SAMBO in Armenia. We hope that in the future this tournament will gain the status of a European Cup,” noted Mkhitar Hayrapetyan.