European Medal for Bosnia and Herzegovina: Bošnjak with Andranik Karapetyan

The Minister of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dubravka Bošnjak, hosted Andranik Karapetyan, one of the most successful European and world weightlifters, an athlete whose career is marked by top results, records, and medals at the biggest international competitions.

Minister Bošnjak emphasized that Andranik Karapetyan’s achievements represent an outstanding sporting result, but also a strong incentive for the development of weightlifting and sport as a whole in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“The results achieved by Andranik Karapetyan for Bosnia and Herzegovina have historic value. They show how top athletes can contribute to the international recognition of our country, but also how important it is to create better conditions for all those who, through their work, discipline, and sacrifice, represent Bosnia and Herzegovina in the best possible way,” said Minister Bošnjak.

Andranik Karapetyan thanked Minister Bošnjak for the reception and support, stressing that it is a great honor for him to compete for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“For me, it is an honor to represent Bosnia and Herzegovina at international competitions. The medals I have won are not only my personal success, but also the success of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I believe that weightlifting in this country has a future and that these results can encourage young athletes to believe in hard work, discipline, and big goals,” said Karapetyan.

Throughout his career, Andranik Karapetyan has been a five-time European champion and a two-time world champion, and he was a European record holder in 2023. He competed twice at the Olympic Games, in Rio 2016 and Paris 2024.

He obtained citizenship of Bosnia and Herzegovina in 2025 as a person of special benefit to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the field of sport, and already in his first year competing for our country he achieved results of historic significance for BH weightlifting.

At the 2026 European Championships in Batumi, he won a silver medal and a bronze medal in the overall ranking, bringing Bosnia and Herzegovina its first European medals in this sport.

Minister Bošnjak expressed her support for Andranik Karapetyan in continuing his sports career and upcoming international competitions.