Government boosts institutional sports development

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said sports development in Armenia will become more targeted and effective, highlighting ongoing institutional reforms and investments.

Speaking at the Best of the Year in Sports 2025 awards ceremony, Pashinyan stressed the importance of institutionalizing the sector, outlining large-scale programs in sports schools, infrastructure construction, and hosting international tournaments.

“Budget figures speak for themselves: we are trying to provide increasing support to our sports sector, but by analyzing the results, we have reinforced our conclusion that institutionalization is a key step to consolidate current successes and set new ambitions. We are taking serious steps in this direction,” he said.

Pashinyan noted that the process began with relatively simple initiatives but has now evolved into deep and large-scale projects.

“For example, in Yerevan, the Hrant Shahinyan sports school is under construction and nearing completion; construction of the Albert Azaryan sports school is progressing rapidly; we have recently made necessary decisions regarding the Arthur Abraham sports school; in Gyumri, construction of the Arthur Aleksanyan sports complex is underway. Together with Nazik Avdalyan, we are launching a project in Shirak region; in Lori region, we are starting construction of sports schools named after Vic Darchinyan, Yuri Sargsyan, and Stepan Sargsyan; in Aragatsotn region, we are launching a school named after Roman and Malkhas Amoyan; the Simon Martirosyan sports school is already successfully operating. These projects are important because we are transforming values created in sports into more institutional and tangible results,” he added.

The prime minister also referred to a joint program with Juventus football club in Yerevan, noting plans to expand it to the regions.

He emphasized that stadium construction is planned in Ijevan, Yerevan, Vanadzor, and the Academic City.

“It is important to note that the ‘300 schools’ program is highly significant for sports, because a school must include a gymnasium and an outdoor sports ground,” Pashinyan said.

He added that construction of gym halls has begun in 25 schools, while all 300 new schools will be required to include modern sports facilities.

According to him, the government’s program already includes building sports and arts schools as needed, as well as 100 combined sports grounds across communities, equipped for futsal, football, and basketball.

“I have also promised—and we have already decided—that we will build a sports school named after the national futsal team to закрепить its historic achievement and further popularize the sport in an institutional way,” he said.

Pashinyan also spoke about international tournaments held in Armenia in recent years.

“We have already successfully hosted several European championships—boxing, weightlifting, shooting—and the Sambo World Championship. There will be further developments, including Armenia joining the calendar of international cycling competitions. Upcoming events include the Francophonie Games, the European Gymnastics Championship, and the Weightlifting World Championship,” he said.

He stressed that the growing number of children engaged in sports are inspired by current athletes.

“I want to thank everyone for that inspiration. Today’s event is a great honor for us. We want to pay tribute to all athletes who, in 2025 or the previous sporting year, strengthened Armenia’s reputation and brought pride and joy to Armenians worldwide,” he said.

The prime minister thanked athletes, coaches, and federations, noting that the ultimate symbol of sporting success is hearing Armenia’s national anthem and seeing its flag raised.

He assured that the government will not slow down these efforts but will make them more targeted and effective.

Winners in 11 categories received AMD 6,250,000 and commemorative awards, presented by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan.

Among the winners were:

• Best athletes: Varazdat Lalayan (weightlifting), Artur Davtyan (artistic gymnastics), Malkhas Amoyan (Greco-Roman wrestling)
• Best female athlete: Aleksandra Grigoryan (weightlifting)
• Best para-athlete: Sargis Sargsyan (chess)
• Best team: Armenia national futsal team
• Best young athlete: Gaspar Terteryan (Greco-Roman wrestling)
• Comeback/discovery: Suren Harutyunyan (karate)
• Athlete promoting Armenia: Hamlet Manukyan (artistic gymnastics)
• Best coach: Pashik Alaverdyan (weightlifting)
• Audience award: Suren Harutyunyan

The event was attended by President Vahagn Khachaturyan, National Assembly Speaker Alen Simonyan, Chief of Staff Arayik Harutyunyan, Education Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, and representatives of sports federations, athletes, and coaches.