Galust Torosyan, a member of the US national team and the winner of the 2026 US Open Championship, has announced that he will not participate in the Under-17 World Wrestling Championship held in Azerbaijan. According to him, the decision is due to security concerns based on his nationality. "This decision is not due to fear, but stems from principles and responsibility.
"No athlete should have to choose between his dream and his own safety because of his nationality or religion," Torosyan said. Torosyan emphasized that giving up the World Championship is one of his most difficult decisions.
He noted that he cannot ignore the risks related to his and his family's safety in the background of the destruction of Armenian Christian churches and historical and cultural heritage in Azerbaijan, the treatment of Armenian prisoners, as well as the hostile rhetoric against Armenians.
The athlete also said that before the decision, he contacted the management of the International Wrestling Organization (UWW) several times, wondering what measures will be taken to ensure his safety, taking into account the warning of the US State Department regarding trips to Azerbaijan. According to him, those letters remained unanswered, including those addressed to the chairman of the UWW sportsmen's committee, Arsen Julfalakyan.
He added that he will continue to train and represent the USA again in international tournaments in the future, stressing that he is proud of his Armenian and Christian identity.
The U17 World Championship will be held from July 27 to August 2 in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. Torosyan was included in the USA Greco-Roman wrestling team and, as expected, he was supposed to represent the USA team.
