Rafael Khalatyan

Armenia

Sports Journalist at Inside the Games (UK)

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Articles

Hope and Dreams Festival empowers refugees

1 week ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

Organised by World Taekwondo and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation in partnership with the Jordan Olympic Committee, UNHCR, and various International Federations, the festival in Amman and the Azraq and Za’atari Refugee Camps concluded on Sunday. The annual festival aimed to empower refugees and promote the Olympic values through sport.
Historic step for Yemen para-taekwondo

1 week ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

Zakarya Ali Al-Manhuri, a black belt from Sanaa, is set to become the Asian country's first athlete to compete in the discipline on the international stage, aiming to represent his nation despite significant challenges. Al-Manhuri earned his black belt in 2021 under the guidance of Master Khaled Maqbol Ghaleb at the Al Mostaqbai Club for Persons with a Disability. His dedication to training has continued even amidst the ongoing civil war in Yemen, which began in 2014.
Tajikistan shines at home Judo Grand Slam

1 week ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

Held on the heels of continental championships around the world, the event concluded on Sunday with many top athletes taking a break, but Dushanbe still attracted a strong field and produced memorable contests, including inspiring performances from the host nation. The men's -60kg category saw Azerbaijan's Balabay Aghayev claim gold, defeating local favourite Mehrzod Sufiev in the final.
Para-taekwondo classification reaches milestone

1 week ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

Para-taekwondo classification has reported a record-breaking month for athlete classifications, coinciding with the successful conclusion of an important international classification course, signalling the continued growth and professionalisation of the discipline. This month, a significant milestone was reached with a total of 53 athletes successfully classified across two major international events.
Historic muaythai announcement in Thimphu

1 week ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

In a significant development for both sport and international relations, the Kingdom of Bhutan officially announced the formation of its first national Muaythai Federation this week. This historic unveiling coincided with the state visit of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana of Thailand to Bhutan. The state visit included vibrant muaythai demonstrations alongside traditional Bhutanese and Thai cultural performances.
Russia-USA wrestling meet in the works

1 week ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

A freestyle dual meet between both national teams is expected to take place in July, potentially under the symbolic slogan 'Struggle for Peace', according to Mikhail Mamiashvili, President of the Russian Wrestling Federation. The RWF had previously proposed organising this dual meet in March, to be held under the auspices of the Professional Wrestling League (PWL).
Japan dominates Asian Judo

2 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

The continental championships concluded this week in Bangkok, Thailand, with five countries winning gold medals and the favourite predictably taking the most golds, while Sadrudinov achieved a historic milestone for Bahrain. The first day of individual competition saw Japan claim victory in all four contested categories, setting a high standard for the championships. In the Men's -60 kg, Taiki Nakamura defeated Tokyo Olympic silver medallist Yung Wei Yang of Chinese Taipei.
Marton sisters shine in Spain

2 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

The Spanish Open Taekwondo concluded on Sunday with the hosts topping the medal table, securing four gold medals across the contested weight categories. A standout performance came from the siblings, both claiming victory. Viviana Marton secured the gold medal in the Senior Female -62kg division. This victory marks her third gold medal of the year, adding to titles won at the Galeb Trophy and British Open. She also earned bronze at the Belgium Open and silver at the Fujairah Open.
Antonio Castro elected PJC Secretary General

2 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

After serving as an IJF ambassador and the leading voice of its Medical Commission, the official has been given a new role in the Panamerican Judo Confederation. Dr. Antonio Castro, a highly active member of the international judo community, has been elected as the new Secretary General of the PJC. His election took place at the PJC Congress in April 2025, a position he accepted with considerable pride. Castro brings a wealth of experience to this role.
Egypt judo rules in Abidjan

2 weeks ago | insidethegames.biz | Rafael Khalatyan

The 46th African Senior Championships in the Ivory Coast concluded on Monday with the nation showcasing a strong performance, particularly on the second day of individual competition and in securing the mixed team title. The first day of the championships saw seven titles contested. Morocco claimed two gold medals, with Soumiya Iraoui retaining her -52kg title for her fifth continental gold, defeating Algeria's Faiza Aissahine in the final.