[7] She began competing in weightlifting professionally in 2005, and took part in her first international competition two years later,[1] when at the European Open Championships in Greece, she placed second in her weight class and won a silver medal.
[8] Vardanyan did not place in the women's 48 kg weight class after failing to lift 80 kilograms (180 lb) on three occasions.
[9] In 2012, she was chosen as part of a female only team, alongside swimmer Maga Hovakimyan, for Armenia to compete in the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, England.
[10] Vardanyan finished outside of the medal positions, having lifted a weight of 82 kilograms (181 lb) in the Women's 48 kg competition.
[12] She finished in fifth place in her weight class, her heaviest lift being 96 kilograms (212 lb) out of her three successful attempts.