Brothers Yuri and Artur Sakunts set world records on occasion of Armenia's Independence Day (PHOTOS)

On September 21, on the occasion of Armenia’s Independence Day, brothers Yuri and Artur Sakunts set two new world records that will be recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.

The brothers pulled a 4-ton car and a 10-ton bus a couple of meters by holding the ropes with their teeth in front of a large number of fans at Shahumyan Square in Yerevan.

According to two-time world and European power triathlon champion Yuri Sakunts, his and his brother’s goal is to tell the whole world about and represent Armenia and Armenians, and they are succeeding, but there is no response or treatment from Armenian state officials, the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport and the country’s leadership. President of the National Olympic Committee of Armenia Gagik Tsarukyan was invited to the event, and even though he had promised to attend the event, he didn’t show up.

“I congratulate all us Armenians on Armenia’s Independence Day. My brother and I have decided to set world records for the first time in the history of Armenia and Artsakh that will be recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records. We are dedicating these records to the 29^th anniversary of Armenia’s Independence. I will set an extraordinary record by pulling a 4-ton car with my teeth and on my hands. This record was first set by an Azerbaijani athlete seven years ago, who had pulled a 2-ton car,” Yuri Sakunts said.

World sambo bronze medalist, winner of international championships Artur Sakunts, 18, pulls buses with a rope placed on his teeth. This time, Artur’s record was pulling a 10-ton bus and 4-ton car at the same time.

Yuri Sakunts, 24, noted that in spite of his and his brother’s several world records, they don’t receive any incentive or attention from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, athletic organizations and the country’s leadership.

“We don’t have any supporters or acquaintances. We work hard to organize all this so that Armenians see us and feel happy and proud, but there hasn’t been any support from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport. I personally informed all state institutions, but they didn’t do anything. I don’t need money or anything. I would just like for them to attend and encourage us with their presence. I have set 20 records, but haven’t received any financial reward. Again, I don’t want money, but the deputy sport minister or President could have come. We’re not depressed and will continue to represent our country and set world records so that the whole world recognizes Armenians and Artsakh. At my initiative, for the first time in the history of Armenia, in the certificates of records, it was stated that the records were set in the Republic of Artsakh. When I became a two-time world champion, again, there was no incentive or award,” Yuri Sakunts said.

In an interview with NEWS.am Sport, the 24-year-old athlete said the attitude of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, the National Olympic Committee of Armenia and state bodies’ representatives is insulting.

The brothers were awarded the “Aghbyur Serob” and “Gevorg Chaush” Commemorative Medals by President of the Organization of Fedayins (Freedom Fighters) of Armenia Seyran Chilingaryan.

The world power triathlon champion’s next record will be pulling a 70-ton train with his pinky in Moscow.

Lusine Shahbazyan

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