Armenian Sports News

In a significant milestone for Armenian rugby, the Yerevan Lions Rugby Club triumphed with a 43-12 victory against AEL Limassol Rugby Club of Cyprus, marking a pivotal moment in the sport’s revival in the country.

The friendly match, held at FC Pyunik in Yerevan, is among the first significant events in a renewed effort to restore rugby in Armenia, following years of absence from international play. The Rugby Federation of Armenia was suspended by Rugby Europe in 2014 due to inactivity, leaving the sport dormant for nearly a decade. The Yerevan Lions’ recent win is seen as a hopeful indication of the sport’s resurgence.

Organizers have noted that while the team initially faced challenges in recruiting enough players for the match, interest in rugby has surged, with a growing number of athletes eager to participate. This enthusiasm is part of a broader initiative aimed at developing rugby from the grassroots level, which includes the establishment of clubs in various regions, the introduction of rugby programs in schools and universities, and the organization of competitions.

The long-term vision for Armenian rugby includes forming dedicated men’s and women’s national teams. The national team had previously enjoyed success in the mid-2000s, achieving notable victories in the European Nations Cup Division 3. As rugby aims to reclaim its place in Armenian sports culture, the recent victory represents a hopeful first step in this ambitious journey.

In a remarkable display of athleticism and skill, Armenia’s U17 grappling team secured 10 medals during the 2026 Senior, U20, U17, U15, and Veteran Grappling European Championships held in Yerevan, further establishing the nation as a formidable contender in the sport.

Competing on home turf, Armenia’s U17 grapplers showcased their talent across various weight categories at the Gazprom Armenia Educational Sport Complex on Monday. The team brought home a total of 10 medals, comprising two gold, two silver, and six bronze across the Grappling and Grappling Gi divisions.

This impressive performance followed closely on the heels of the U15 team’s success, which garnered 20 medals just a day earlier, cumulatively bringing Armenia’s medal count to 30 within the first two days of the tournament.

The U17 gold medalists included Yura Melkonyan in the 39-42 kg category and Aram Hovsepyan in the 50 kg category. Silver medals were awarded to Emanuel Ghulyan (39-42 kg) and Marat Karapetyan (46 kg). Meanwhile, the bronze medalists comprised Hovhannes Mkrtchyan (46 kg), Arshak Galstyan (50 kg), Gor Khachatryan (54 kg), Avet Barseghyan (63 kg), Garush Vardanyan (76 kg), and Martin Davtyan (85 kg).

The U20 competitions are set to continue on Tuesday, leading into the senior divisions that will conclude the grappling segment of the championships on Wednesday.

In an exciting development for mixed martial arts fans, ASN will provide on-site coverage of RAF 9 in Texas, featuring a highly anticipated match between Arman Tsarukyan and Keelon “Mugzy” Jimison, thanks to sponsorship from Nelson Gevorkyan, Esq.

ASN has announced that reporter Jason Takhtadjian will be heading to Texas for exclusive coverage of RAF 9, where fighters Arman Tsarukyan and Keelon “Mugzy” Jimison are set to meet in a key matchup on the fight card. The event promises not only competitive bouts but also a vibrant atmosphere as fans gather to support their favorite athletes.

From the pre-fight media day to the electrifying event day, Takhtadjian will provide comprehensive updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and exclusive content that captures the spirit of the occasion. As the anticipation builds, viewers can expect detailed reports and dynamic coverage straight from the venue, showcasing the excitement of the Lone Star State and the talent of the fighters involved.

This initiative underscores ASN’s commitment to delivering in-depth sports journalism and engaging its audience with real-time updates and unique perspectives from the heart of the action.

In a poignant moment for Armenian football, Henrikh Mkhitaryan may have played his final match on Saturday, coming off the bench for Inter Milan in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Bologna in the Serie A finale.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan, one of Armenia’s most celebrated athletes, stepped onto the pitch for what could be his last appearance in professional football during Inter Milan’s season finale. Entering the match as a substitute in the 54th minute, Mkhitaryan not only contributed to the team’s efforts but also donned the captain’s armband, symbolizing his leadership and impact over his nearly two-decade career.

As his contract with Inter is set to expire on June 30, speculation about his future remains. Inter’s manager Cristian Chivu mentioned that discussions regarding next season have yet to take place, although he commended Mkhitaryan’s professionalism and the unique presence he brings to the team.

Mkhitaryan’s career is distinguished by numerous accolades, making him Armenia’s most accomplished footballer. He has won 26 major trophies, including league titles in Armenia, Ukraine, and Italy, and has been a key player for top clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, and Roma. His achievements include winning the UEFA Europa League and becoming the first Armenian to appear in a UEFA Champions League final. Regardless of whether this match marked his retirement, Mkhitaryan’s legacy in football is firmly established.

In a stunning display of skill and speed, Armenian freestyle wrestler Shahen Martirosyan claimed the gold medal in the 68 kg category at the 2026 U15 European Wrestling Championships held in Samokov, Bulgaria, with a swift 10-0 victory over Turkey’s Saruhan Karaoglu in just 40 seconds.

Martirosyan showcased his talent throughout the tournament, finishing with an impressive 5-0 record. He defeated competitors from Bulgaria, Moldova, Russia, Georgia, and Turkey, solidifying his status as one of the top young wrestlers in Europe. His victory not only earned him a gold medal but also highlighted Armenia’s strong performance in freestyle wrestling, where the nation concluded the event with three medals — one gold and two bronze.

The success continued for Armenia in the Greco-Roman competitions, where they secured four additional medals. This brought Armenia’s overall tally to seven medals across both wrestling styles at the U15 European Championships, marking a significant achievement for the country’s young athletes and reinforcing Armenia’s growing reputation in the sport.

In a thrilling finale, Lucas Zelarayán captained Belgrano to their inaugural top-flight league title, overcoming River Plate with a stunning 3-2 comeback victory in the 2026 Apertura Final, marking a significant milestone in the club’s history.

Belgrano celebrated a monumental achievement on Sunday as they clinched their first-ever top-flight league title, thanks to a remarkable performance led by captain Lucas Zelarayán. The match, held in front of an electrified crowd, saw Belgrano trail River Plate 2-1 before mounting a spectacular comeback.

Zelarayán, an Armenian midfielder, played a pivotal role in the match, not only providing an assist but also inspiring his teammates to push through adversity. Nicolás Fernández emerged as the hero with two crucial goals, flipping the script in the dying moments of the game.

This historic victory is particularly significant for Belgrano supporters, who have waited over 120 years for such a triumph. It also adds to Zelarayán’s growing legacy, which resonates beyond Argentina, highlighting his contributions to Armenian football as well.

Zelarayán’s leadership and skill were on full display, solidifying his status as a local legend and furthering the narrative of a player who continues to shine on the international stage, both for his club and the Armenia national team.

Armenia’s U15 grappling team kicked off the European Grappling Championships in Yerevan with an impressive tally of 20 medals, including three golds, marking a significant achievement for the nation’s young athletes in front of a home crowd.

The European Grappling Championships, held in Yerevan from May 24 to 27, showcased the talents of Armenia’s youngest competitors as they delivered a remarkable performance. Leading the charge were gold medalists Monika Asryan in the 40 kg category, Ruben Sargsyan at 35 kg, and Narek Sargsyan at 53 kg.

In addition to their three golds, Armenia’s U15 team secured silver and bronze medals across various weight classes, with an impressive 23 out of 30 competitors reaching the podium. This strong showing is a promising sign for the future of grappling in Armenia, highlighting the potential of the next generation of combat sports athletes.

The championships are part of the 2026 Senior, U20, U17, and U15 Grappling European Championships, with the U17 event continuing on May 25, followed by U20 on May 26, and the senior competition concluding on May 27. This championship is the first phase of a broader UWW combat sports week, which will also feature the AMMA and Pankration European Championships from May 28 to 31, further establishing Yerevan as a hub for grappling and combat sports.

The Armenian men’s lacrosse team wrapped up a successful weekend in New Jersey, finishing with a 2-1 record in a series of Sixes friendlies, crucial for their upcoming European Championship campaign.

Competing in a series of friendly matches, the Armenian men’s lacrosse team showcased their skills and teamwork, defeating Hungary 19-7 and the Netherlands 10-4, while narrowly losing to Jamaica 13-12 in a gripping one-goal contest.

These friendlies served as an essential preparation for the 2026 European Sixes Lacrosse Championships, which will take place in Salou, Spain. The European Championships are significant as they will determine the qualifiers for the 2027 World Lacrosse Sixes Championships, the primary pathway to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics where lacrosse will make its return in the Sixes format.

The team’s performance in New Jersey has not only bolstered their confidence but also set the stage for their continued development as they aim for success in Spain. With a strong showing this weekend, Armenia is well-positioned as they advance toward their goal of Olympic qualification.