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Acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has issued a condolence message on the demise of legendary Armenian weightlifting champion Yuri Vardanyan.

The message, released by the PM’s office, reads.

“I was deeply grieved to learn about the demise of Armenian weightlifter Yuri Vardanyan. He won the most titles among the Armenian athletes of all time. Yuri Vardanyan was the greatest Armenian weightlifter of all time. The glory of Armenian sport and its international reputation cannot be imagined without him.

Yuri Vardanyan’s sporting feats gave us many unforgettable moments of excitement and pride; they are still inspiring youngsters to follow his example.

I express my condolences to Yuri Vardanyan’s family, close relatives, colleagues and thousands of his fans.”

The world-famous athlete has passed away in the United States after long serious illness at the age of 62. Vardanyan was a seven-time world champion, five-time European champion and 1980 Olympic champion, who set 43 world records.