Armenian Sports News

Yura Melikyan, a rising Armenian basketball talent, has made headlines after being selected with the 16th overall pick in the 2026 NBA G League International Draft by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the affiliate team of the Houston Rockets.

The selection of Yura Melikyan marks a significant achievement for both the player and Armenian basketball. At just 20 years old, Melikyan has been making waves in the basketball community, showcasing his skills in Europe and on the international stage.

Most recently, he excelled at the FIBA U20 EuroBasket Division B tournament, where he averaged 17.7 points and a tournament-best 13.7 rebounds per game, solidifying his reputation as a formidable player. The Rio Grande Valley Vipers’ decision to draft him indicates their confidence in his potential to contribute to the team should he choose to join.

This selection not only highlights Melikyan’s individual talent but also serves as a testament to the growth of basketball in Armenia, as players like him continue to gain recognition through pathways such as the NBA G League.

In a fiercely contested match, Armenia’s national basketball team was unable to secure a victory against Norway in their recent FIBA EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifier, showcasing grit and determination until the very end.

The Armenian national basketball team faced off against Norway in a challenging EuroBasket 2029 Pre-Qualifier matchup, ultimately coming up short as the final buzzer sounded. Despite the loss, the team demonstrated commendable resilience, maintaining a high level of energy throughout the game.

Armenia’s players exhibited competitive spirit on both ends of the court, engaging defensively while pushing aggressively in transition. This matchup served as a critical opportunity for the team to gain experience against a strong opponent, which is vital as they prepare for future competitions.

While the result was disappointing, the game featured several encouraging moments that the coaching staff can build upon in training sessions. The team is set to take these lessons into their upcoming matches, aiming to improve and capitalize on their progress. Continuing to face international teams will be essential for Armenia’s growth in the sport, as they seek to establish themselves on the European basketball stage.

Galoust Gregory Torosian, a prominent member of Team USA and the 2026 U.S. Open champion, has officially withdrawn from the U17 World Championships set to take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, due to safety concerns related to his Armenian-American Christian identity.

Torosian announced his decision through a statement released by the World Team Training Center, expressing deep concerns for his safety while traveling to Azerbaijan. He highlighted the risks associated with his ethnicity and religion, stating that his family could not overlook these dangers.

The withdrawal marks a significant moment for Torosian, who described it as one of the toughest decisions of his career. He mentioned that despite reaching out multiple times to United World Wrestling (UWW) leadership regarding his safety concerns, he felt that his issues were not adequately addressed.

In his statement, Torosian emphasized that his decision was rooted in principle rather than fear, advocating for the rights of athletes to compete without the burden of safety worries due to their background. He voiced his support for Team USA and the U.S. Open runner-up, wishing them success despite his absence.

Torosian remains hopeful for his future, affirming his pride in representing his country and his Armenian heritage. He concluded by stating that while this chapter is ending, his journey in sports is far from over, with aspirations towards the LA28 Olympics.

In a decisive victory, Karen Khachanov has moved forward to the third round of Wimbledon after defeating Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets, showcasing his tennis prowess in the second round on Thursday.

Khachanov, the Russian tennis star, triumphed over Hanfmann with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-4, 6-4, demonstrating a strong performance that highlighted his skill and determination on the court. This win marks an important moment in Khachanov’s Wimbledon campaign, as he aims to replicate or improve upon his quarterfinal appearance from last year.

The match showcased Khachanov’s ability to maintain control and composure, allowing him to secure each set with strategic plays and effective serving. His journey in this year’s tournament is being closely watched, and with this victory, he is now just one match away from potentially reaching the later stages of the competition.

In the upcoming third round, Khachanov will face either James Duckworth or Flavio Cobolli, with the match scheduled for Saturday. As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see how far Khachanov can go and whether he can build on his previous success at Wimbledon.

In a strategic move to bolster their defense, the Minnesota Wild have announced the re-signing of veteran defenseman Zach Bogosian to a one-year contract worth $1.25 million. This decision comes as the team aims to build on last season’s playoff success.

Zach Bogosian, 35, has been a key player for the Minnesota Wild, having spent parts of the last three seasons with the team. During the previous season, he contributed significantly, scoring two goals and providing four assists, while maintaining a +8 plus/minus rating. His performance played a crucial role in helping the Wild advance to the second round of the playoffs.

The Wild’s decision to retain Bogosian underscores their commitment to a solid defensive lineup as they prepare for the upcoming season. With his experience and leadership on the ice, Bogosian is expected to continue making valuable contributions to the team.

Fans are optimistic about the upcoming season, hoping that Bogosian’s presence will enhance the team’s chances of further playoff success. The re-signing reflects the Wild’s strategy of combining seasoned players with emerging talent to create a competitive roster.

In a thrilling knockout match held in Santa Clara, the United States men’s national soccer team secured their spot in the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 by defeating Bosnia and Herzegovina 2-0, despite facing adversity with a red card that left them with 10 players for a portion of the game.

The U.S. team showcased determination and skill as they faced Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32 of the FIFA World Cup. Folarin Balogun opened the scoring for the Americans just before halftime, giving them a crucial lead. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 64th minute when Balogun received a red card, reducing the U.S. squad to 10 men. Despite the setback, the team held strong defensively.

In the 82nd minute, Malik Tillman extended the lead with a stunning free kick, securing the victory for the U.S. and confirming their advancement to the next round. The win sets up a challenging matchup against Belgium in the Round of 16. Additionally, Armenian-American defender Max Arfsten’s inclusion in the matchday squad adds a layer of excitement for Armenian fans, connecting them to the World Cup knockout stage.

Karen Khachanov, the No. 19 seed, has successfully advanced to the second round of Wimbledon, defeating British qualifier Billy Harris in a competitive four-set match, with scores of 6-3, 5-7, 6-3, 6-3.

In a thrilling opening match at Wimbledon, Karen Khachanov showcased his skill and determination on the court. Despite a setback in the second set, where he dropped the game to Billy Harris, Khachanov rebounded impressively. The Russian player secured the match by winning two out of the last three sets, demonstrating his resilience and tactical gameplay. This victory marks a strong start to his campaign at the prestigious All England Club.

Khachanov’s next challenge will be against Germany’s Yannick Hanfmann in the second round. As he aims to continue his successful run at Wimbledon, fans will be eager to see how he performs against Hanfmann, who also aims to make a mark in the tournament. With his solid performance today, Khachanov has set a promising tone for the rest of the tournament.

As the NCAA college baseball and softball seasons wrap up, Armenian athletes have made significant contributions to their teams, showcasing their talent on the national stage.

The conclusion of the NCAA college baseball and softball seasons highlights the remarkable achievements of Armenian players who have left their mark in Division I competitions. Throughout the season, these athletes demonstrated their skills and dedication, contributing to their teams’ successes in various ways, from pitching and hitting to fielding.

In baseball, several Armenian athletes stood out, with impressive statistics and performances that caught the attention of scouts and fans alike. Their hard work and determination not only advanced their teams through challenging competitions but also set the stage for potential futures in professional leagues, including the MLB draft.

Similarly, in softball, Armenian players have been instrumental in their teams’ achievements, showcasing exceptional talent and sportsmanship. Their involvement in the sport has been a source of pride for the Armenian community, reflecting the growing presence and impact of Armenian athletes in collegiate sports.

Cooper Malamazian, a standout shortstop from Indiana University, has announced his transfer to Florida State University for the upcoming 2027 baseball season, marking an exciting new chapter in his college baseball career.

After two successful years in Bloomington, Malamazian is set to join the Florida State Seminoles, a program renowned for its competitive edge in college baseball. During the 2026 season, he showcased his talent by achieving a batting average of .301, hitting four home runs, and driving in 36 runs over the course of 51 games. His performance was a highlight in an otherwise challenging season for the Hoosiers, who struggled to meet expectations.

Florida State has established itself as one of the premier programs in college baseball, consistently reaching the NCAA tournament for the past three years. Malamazian’s decision to transfer reflects his ambition to compete at a higher level and contribute to a team with a strong tradition of success. As he prepares for his junior season, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how he will elevate his game in the Sunshine State, where he will be surrounded by elite talent and coaching.