The Guardian: Kachanov’s Karabakh message grabs as much attention as his gameJanuary 25, 2023 - 17:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Karen Khachanov continued his career resurgence by moving into his second consecutive grand slam semi-final at the Australian Open on Tuesday, January 24 but even as he marches through the draw his message has commanded as much attention as his tennis, The Guardian says in an article. Khachanov advanced past Sebastian Korda after the American retired with a right-wrist injury when trailing 7-6 (5), 6-3, 3-0. During his wins against Frances Tiafoe and Yoshihito Nishioka, Khachanov signed the camera by writing “Stay strong, Artsakh”, referring to the blockade of the disputed territory between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which is also known as Nagorno-Karabakh, since mid-December. Khachanov’s father, Abgar, is from Armenia’s capital city, Yerevan. After the quarter-final Khachanov reiterated his support, although he declined to elaborate: “I have Armenian roots,” he said. “From my father’s side, from my grandfather’s side, even from my mom’s side. I’m half-Armenian. I don’t want to go deeper than that and I just wanted to show strength and support to my people.” Khachanov’s support shines further light on a territorial conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan that has taken place for more than 30 years. The most recent significant conflict, the 44-Day War, occurred in 2020, when 6,800 soldiers died. After the ceasefire agreement, thousands of Russian peacekeeping forces were deployed along the Lachin corridor, the only road linking Armenia with the territory and where supplies are transported to the mountainous region from Armenia. In a letter to the International Tennis Federation on Tuesday, the Azerbaijan Tennis Federation demanded Khachanov receive punishment for his message: “Writing heartfelt wishes on the camera lens is a kind of tradition in tennis, but Khachanov abused this, using it in his dirty plans.” Khachanov did not mention Azerbaijan in any of his messages and said he had not received any message from the ITF or discouragement from anyone. Since December 12, the sole road connecting Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia - the Lachin Corridor - has been blocked by self-described Azerbaijani environmentalists. Karabakh residents have reported food and fuel shortages, while hospital patients don't have access to essential medicines, with only a handful allowed transfer to facilities in Armenia proper. Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |