Language/Armenian/Culture/Wrestling-and-Weightlifting
As an Armenian language teacher with over 20 years of experience, I am excited to introduce you to the vibrant world of Armenian sports and athletes. In this lesson, we are going to explore the traditional Armenian sports of wrestling and weightlifting, including their rich history and the achievements of Armenian athletes in these disciplines.
Wrestling in Armenia
Wrestling has been an integral part of Armenian culture for centuries, with evidence of the sport's popularity dating back to ancient times. Armenian wrestlers have achieved great success in international competitions, including at the Olympic Games.
Armenian wrestling is traditionally divided into two categories: freestyle and Greco-Roman. Freestyle wrestling is considered the more dynamic and acrobatic of the two styles, with a focus on both standing and ground-based techniques. Greco-Roman wrestling, on the other hand, is exclusively focused on standing techniques, and prohibits the use of the legs in both offense and defense.
Here are some common Armenian wrestling terms to help you get started:
| Armenian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| դժվարանություն | dzhvaranut'yun | wrestling |
| ժողովրդ | zhoghovurd | wrestler |
| հավասուրդ | havasurd | opponent |
| խաղացի | khagatsi | player |
Armenian wrestling has played an important role in shaping national identity and cultural pride, with legendary wrestlers like Yenokavan Ervand, Vaghinak Tamrazyan, and Moushegh Movsisyan becoming household names. Today, there are numerous wrestling schools, clubs and competitions throughout Armenia, ensuring this ancient sport remains an integral component of Armenian sporting culture.
Weightlifting in Armenia
Weightlifting is another popular sport in Armenia, with Armenian weightlifters winning multiple medals at the Olympic Games and other international competitions. Weightlifting originated in ancient Greece, but modern weightlifting includes two lifts, the snatch and the clean and jerk.
Armenians have always had a strong tradition in weightlifting. Soviet-Armenian weightlifter Yurik Vardanyan won an Olympic gold medal in 1980, and many Armenian weightlifters have gone on to become world champions, including Tigran Gevorg Martirosyan and Simon Martirosyan.
Here are some common Armenian weightlifting terms:
| Armenian | Pronunciation | English |
|---|---|---|
| ցրիչ | tsrich | weightlifting |
| խաղալիք | khaghalik | weightlifter |
| երկիր | yerkir | lift |
| խորովակ | khorovak | barbell |
Armenian weightlifters have often used weightlifting to express national pride and identity, and many attribute part of their success to their Armenian heritage. The discipline and dedication required to excel in weightlifting often mirror the values that Armenians hold dear, and there remains a strong connection between the sport and Armenian identity to this day.
Learning about Armenian sports and athletes is a great way to connect with Armenian culture and history. By exploring the accomplishments of Armenian wrestlers and weightlifters, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of the values, beliefs and cultural traditions that shape Armenian society.