A loud international scandal occurred at the opening ceremony of the 2023 European Weightlifting Championships in Yerevan (Armenia). During the presentation of the countries participating in the competition, the flag of Azerbaijan was brought to the stage. At that moment, an unknown man ran out of the hall, grabbed the flag and set it on fire, after which he rushed to run away..

The violator was detained by the security service. Media reports that it turned out to be designer Aram Nikolyan. He was taken to the police station. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has already responded to the egregious incident. " It is a matter of concern that the organizers have not taken any security measures against such hate speeches.. The perpetrators must be duly punished,"

Four Azerbaijani athletes were to perform at the tournament in Yerevan. However, after the scandalous incident, Azerbaijan decided to withdraw its delegation from the tournament ahead of schedule.. " Considering all this, it was decided to return Azerbaijani athletes to their homeland.. Our team is returning to Azerbaijan. Armenia must ensure her safe return," az. The 2023 European Weightlifting Championships will be held from April 15 to 23 in Yerevan. In total, 10 sets of awards for men and women will be played at the tournament. The national team of Ukraine at the continental championship in weightlifting will be represented by 17 athletes - five men and 12 women.