From Artsakh to the World Stage: Four Young Athletes Represent Armenia at the 2026 IMMAF Youth World Championships
- scharchaf
- 1 hour ago
- 3 min read
Four young athletes from forcibly displaced Artsakh families are heading to Abu Dhabi to represent Armenia at the 2026 IMMAF Youth World Championships, taking place August 16–23, 2026.
With support from Lorik Humanitarian Fund, Karen Arzumanyan, Tigran Gasparyan, Samvel Avetisyan, and Erik Hayrapetyan will have the opportunity to compete on one of youth MMA's biggest international stages.
Each of these athletes has earned his place through competition in Armenia. Their participation in Abu Dhabi represents years of training, discipline, and determination, and an opportunity to represent Armenia on the world stage.
Lorik Humanitarian Fund is helping cover the costs associated with their participation, including accommodations and competition fees.
Meet the Athletes
Karen Arzumanyan
Karen Arzumanyan is 17 years old and will represent Armenia in the Youth A 61.2 kg
Tigran Gasparyan
Tigran Gasparyan is the current Armenian champion in the 16–17 age group at 52.2 kg and will represent Armenia in the Youth A division.
Samvel Avetisyan
Samvel Avetisyan is the current Armenian champion at 48 kg and will compete for Armenia in the Youth B division.
Erik Hayrapetyan
At just 13 years old, Erik Hayrapetyan earned second place in Armenia at 40 kg and will compete in the Youth C division at the World Championships.
Behind the Athletes
The journey to an international championship also depends on the coaches and federation officials working behind the scenes.
Stepan Shahmuradyan
Stepan Shahmuradyan is Vice President of the Armenian MMA Federation and a trainer to our athletes at Shahmuradyan Fight Club.
Garegin Aghabalyan
Garegin Aghabalyan is President of the Armenian MMA Federation, which will send Armenia's national youth team to compete in Abu Dhabi.
More Than a Competition
For these four young athletes, reaching the World Championships is an accomplishment in itself.
Their families were forcibly displaced from Artsakh, but their circumstances have not stopped them from training, competing, and earning the opportunity to represent Armenia internationally.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we reached our $3,600 fundraising goal, providing $900 for each athlete to help cover the costs of participating in the World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
Their trip is fully funded. Thank you to everyone who made it possible.
What's Next: Supporting the Gym Behind These Athletes
Our support for these young athletes will not end when they return from Abu Dhabi.
We are now raising funds to purchase approximately $2,500 in new training equipment for the gym. The gym provides free training to children of fallen Armenian servicemen and children affected by the 2023 Artsakh fuel depot explosion.
We have already raised approximately $600 toward this next goal, leaving about $1,900 still needed.
Providing proper training equipment means supporting not just the four athletes traveling to the World Championships, but many other young people who walk through the gym's doors throughout the year.
Lorik Humanitarian Fund believes humanitarian aid should go beyond responding to immediate needs. It should also create opportunities for young people to develop their talents, find community, and pursue their ambitions.
We are proud to stand behind Karen, Tigran, Samvel, and Erik as they represent Armenia on the world stage, and we look forward to continuing that support when they come home.
Help Us Equip Their Gym
Your contribution will help us reach the remaining goal and provide equipment that will continue serving these athletes and other children for years to come.
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