Arsen Galstyan: problems emerged as soon as we arrived in Baku

PanARMENIAN.Net - Arsen Galstyan of Russia, silver winner of international judo tournament in Baku, recollected his trip to Azerbaijan.

“Problems emerged as soon as we landed in Baku. When the airport employee read my family name, she called senior officials. Several men approached and took my passport, leaving us waiting. I was told that I will not be allowed into the city, as they can’t guarantee my security. I was accompanied to room in the airport where I had to wait for the flight back,” Yerkramas quoted Galstyan as saying.

“Other sportsmen from our team decided that they will not participate in the tournament if I’m not allowed,” he said.

Galstyan, however, was permitted to take part in the competition.

“The stadium was overcrowded. When the announcer said “Galstyan”, the audience grew wild. All my fights were accompanied by a hum of obscene words. In the semifinals I had to fight an Azerbaijani sportsman. The fight started with usual bellow which, however, was replaced by deathly silence when I threw him down,” Galstyan said.

“During the final fight against a wrestler from Uzbekistan the fans were shouting fiercely, supporting my rival,” he said.