Armenian Sports News

In an impressive display of skill, No. 13 seed Karen Khachanov secured his place in the second round of the 2026 French Open by defeating French wild card Arthur Gea 6-3, 7-6(3), 6-0 on Sunday at Court Suzanne-Lenglen.

Karen Khachanov, the 29-year-old tennis player with Armenian heritage, showcased his prowess in the opening round of the French Open, continuing his strong performance at this prestigious tournament. Khachanov’s victory over Gea was marked by a dominant third set, where he did not drop a single game, highlighting his form as he progresses through the competition.

This win marks Khachanov’s fifth consecutive year winning in the first round at Roland Garros. His previous performances at this Grand Slam have been noteworthy; he reached the quarterfinals in 2023, where he faced off against Novak Djokovic, the eventual champion, and made it to the third round in 2025. Khachanov’s consistency at this event emphasizes his capabilities on clay courts and his determination to excel in Paris.

As a two-time quarterfinalist, having also reached this stage in 2019, Khachanov aims to build upon his past successes and make a significant impact in this year’s tournament. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he continues his campaign at Roland Garros.

Yana Egorian, a celebrated figure in women’s sabre fencing, secured a bronze medal at the FIE Women’s Sabre World Cup held in Lima, Peru, reinforcing her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Yana Egorian, born in Yerevan, Armenia, continues to impress in the world of fencing, having clinched a bronze medal at the recent FIE Women’s Sabre World Cup in Lima, Peru. Competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete, she stood on the podium alongside gold medalist Sarah Noutcha of France, silver medalist Sebin Choi from South Korea, and fellow bronze medalist Sugár Katinka Battai of Hungary.

This latest achievement adds to an already remarkable season for Egorian, who is the reigning Olympic champion in both individual and team sabre events, having triumphed at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She entered this competition as the world’s number one ranked fencer and defending world champion after her victory at the 2025 World Championships in Tbilisi. Earlier this month, Egorian also celebrated a win at the Incheon Grand Prix, marking her third podium finish this season.

At 32 years old, Egorian remains a formidable competitor in the international sabre circuit and is regarded as one of the most accomplished fencers of her generation, continuing to inspire athletes around the world.

Olympic fencer Hadley Husisian concluded the FIE Women’s Épée World Cup season with a remarkable silver medal finish in St. Maur, France, showcasing her prowess against elite competitors in the sport.

In a thrilling display of skill and determination, 22-year-old Hadley Husisian, representing Team USA, wrapped up the individual FIE Women’s Épée World Cup season with a silver medal in St. Maur, France. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning fencing career.

Husisian navigated a challenging field, defeating France’s Auriane Mallo-Breton, the silver medalist from the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, with a close score of 15-13 in the round of 16. She continued her impressive run by overcoming Estonia’s Katrina Lehis, a bronze medalist from the Tokyo Olympics, in the quarterfinals, prevailing 15-12.

Advancing to the final, Husisian faced Italy’s Alberta Santuccio, where she fought valiantly but ultimately lost 15-8. This silver medal adds to her accolades as one of the top young épée fencers in the world, enhancing her impressive résumé that includes two Junior World Championship titles and multiple Pan American medals. Husisian’s performance in St. Maur further cements her reputation as a formidable competitor on the international fencing stage.

Armenia’s men’s lacrosse team is honing its skills for the upcoming 2026 European Sixes Lacrosse Championships, recently competing in two friendly matches in New Jersey, where they faced Hungary and Jamaica.

During a weekend of intense competition, Armenia’s men’s lacrosse team secured a decisive 19-7 victory against Hungary. However, they narrowly lost 13-12 to Jamaica in a tightly contested match, highlighting both their strengths and areas for improvement as they prepare for the European Sixes Lacrosse Championships scheduled for 2026 in Salou, Spain.

This series of friendly matches serves as crucial preparation for the Armenian team, which aims to refine their strategies and team cohesion ahead of the championships. Their next match is set against the Netherlands this Sunday, providing yet another opportunity for the team to enhance their performance.

The European Sixes Championships not only serve as a competitive platform but also as a qualifier for the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships. With five spots available for both men’s and women’s European teams, the stakes are high, as the 2027 championships will determine qualifications for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking lacrosse’s return in the Sixes format.

In a promising start to their preparations for the upcoming European Championships, the Armenia women’s lacrosse team secured a decisive 16-5 victory over Poland in a friendly match played in New Jersey.

The friendly match against Poland marked the first official tuneup for the Armenian squad as they gear up for the 2026 European Sixes Lacrosse Championships, which will take place this fall in Salou, Spain. This tournament is particularly significant as it will serve as Europe’s qualifier for the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships, with five coveted spots available for participating teams.

Although the Armenian women did not compete in this year’s Heritage Cup, their focus on Sixes preparation reflects a strategic shift within the program. The team’s performance against Poland not only showcased their skills but also underscored their commitment to enhancing their competitive edge ahead of the European Championships.

Looking further ahead, the outcome of the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships will be crucial, as it will determine qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where lacrosse will return in the Sixes format. Thus, the team’s recent success is a promising indicator of their potential as they pursue international recognition and Olympic aspirations.

Max Arfsten, a rising star from Fresno, has been officially called up to represent the United States at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking a significant milestone in his soccer career.

In an inspiring journey from local talent to international athlete, Max Arfsten has been named to the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Columbus Crew winger’s rapid ascent through the ranks of American soccer is a testament to his hard work and dedication.

Arfsten’s career trajectory has been remarkable, transitioning from the University of California, Davis, and MLS NEXT Pro to the highest level of the sport in just a few years. This World Cup appearance not only highlights his individual talent but also serves as a source of pride for his community.

His Armenian heritage adds another layer of significance to his selection, as he is connected to the Siroonian family, a well-known Armenian family in Fresno. Identified as the great-grandson of Samvel Siroonian, a key figure in the local Armenian community, Arfsten’s success resonates deeply within that community.

Over the past two seasons, he has emerged as one of the most versatile young players in Major League Soccer (MLS), demonstrating his ability to perform in various positions including winger, wingback, and fullback. His contributions have made him a valuable asset to the USMNT as they prepare for the global stage.

Ararat-Armenia has officially been crowned the 2025-26 Armenian Premier League champions after Pyunik and Noah played to a scoreless draw, solidifying the club’s top position in the league with one match left in the season.

The Yerevan-based football club, Ararat-Armenia, has secured its place as the champions of Armenia for the 2025-26 season. The decisive moment came when Pyunik and Noah ended their match in a draw, which rendered Ararat-Armenia mathematically unreachable at the summit of the league table. With this victory, Ararat-Armenia has achieved its third league title in the club’s history, following their previous consecutive championships in the 2018/19 and 2019/20 seasons.

This latest title win is a significant milestone for the club as it reflects their strong performance throughout the season. The team, known for its competitive spirit, managed to maintain a lead that ultimately resulted in their championship victory with one round of matches remaining.

Looking ahead, Ararat-Armenia is set to focus on the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds this summer, aiming to make a significant impact on the European stage.

In a momentous occasion for the club, RC Lens has clinched the Coupe de France title for the first time in its 120-year history, defeating Nice 3-1 and igniting celebrations among its passionate fanbase.

RC Lens made history by winning the Coupe de France, marking a significant achievement for the club after a long wait of 120 years. The victory was sealed with a 3-1 win against Nice, a match that saw jubilant scenes from fans who have supported the team through thick and thin. The triumph not only signifies a major milestone for the club but also highlights the successful transformation of RC Lens from a struggling team to a reputable force in French football.

Under the leadership of president Joseph Oughourlian, who has Armenian heritage, the club has experienced a renaissance, stabilizing its position in the competitive landscape of French football. Oughourlian’s influence has been pivotal in elevating the club’s stature, leading to this historic cup victory.

Additionally, the club’s connection to Armenia extends beyond its president. Sardarapat FC’s recent promotion to the Armenian Premier League has fostered a partnership with RC Lens, allowing the Armenian club to benefit from the French side’s training methodologies. This collaboration reflects the commitment of RC Lens to support football development internationally, particularly in Armenia.

In a remarkable achievement, Sardarapat FC has secured its place in the Armenian Premier League just four years after its inception, marking a significant milestone in the club’s young history.

Founded in 2021 and based in Armavir, Sardarapat FC has rapidly ascended through the ranks of Armenian football with a clear vision to merge player development with modern European training methodologies. The club’s approach has been notably shaped by a partnership with French side RC Lens, allowing coaches to implement innovative systems that reflect the success of European football academies.

Sardarapat has dedicated itself to youth development, offering programs for both boys and girls, while also establishing a competitive senior team. This dual focus has culminated in their promotion to the Armenian Premier League, an accomplishment that underscores the club’s rapid growth and commitment to excellence.

The promotion not only highlights Sardarapat’s success but also signifies a shift in the Armenian football landscape, where newer clubs with robust infrastructures and development-centric strategies are increasingly challenging traditional teams. As Sardarapat prepares for its debut in the Premier League next season, it faces the challenge of proving its worth among the top-tier teams in the country.