2021 World Weightlifting Championships: Schedule And Results For Every Armenian
Armenia enters the 2021 World Weightlifting Championships with 10 representatives. Here are schedule and results for every Armenian from Tashkent. Read more
Melsik Baghdadaryan Prepares for UFC Fight Night in Newport Beach
Melsik Baghdadaryan is hard at work in Newport Beach, gearing up for his upcoming UFC Fight Night bout against Arman Tsarukyan, with fellow Armenian fighter Arsen Harutyunyan training alongside him.
Melsik Baghdadaryan, a rising star in the UFC, is currently training in Newport Beach as he prepares for a pivotal fight against Arman Tsarukyan. The event is part of the UFC Fight Night series, which has gained significant popularity among mixed martial arts fans. Baghdadaryan is not alone in his training; he has the support of fellow Armenian fighter Arsen Harutyunyan, who is also a key figure in the MMA community.
The training regimen in Newport Beach is intensive and focuses on enhancing Baghdadaryan’s skills in various aspects of mixed martial arts, including striking and grappling techniques. As the fight date approaches, the fighter is expected to hone his strategies to effectively counter Tsarukyan’s fighting style.
Both fighters are known for their competitive spirit, and this clash is anticipated to be a thrilling matchup for fans. The bout will showcase the talents of both athletes and highlight the growing presence of Armenian fighters in the UFC.
Arman Tsarukyan and Arsen Harutyunyan Prepare for RAF 10 with Intense Training
As anticipation builds for the upcoming RAF 10 event, fighters Arman Tsarukyan and Arsen Harutyunyan are ramping up their training, showcasing their commitment with beach workouts ahead of their respective bouts in St. Louis.
Arman Tsarukyan, a rising star in mixed martial arts, is poised to face former UFC interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson in the co-main event of RAF 10, scheduled for June 13 at Chaifetz Arena. This highly anticipated matchup highlights Tsarukyan’s determination to make a significant impact in the lightweight division.
Meanwhile, fellow Armenian fighter Arsen Harutyunyan is preparing for his own challenge against Caleb Smith in a bantamweight clash. Harutyunyan’s dedication to training is evident as he engages in rigorous workouts, including those on the beach, which help enhance his stamina and conditioning.
The event is set to be headlined by a compelling fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Dillon Danis, promising an exciting night of fights for fans. As both Tsarukyan and Harutyunyan hone their skills, they aim to represent their heritage and make their mark on this prestigious card.
Remembering Armenia’s Historic FIFA Ranking: A Look Back at the Golden Generation of 2014
In February 2014, Armenia celebrated a landmark achievement as its national football team soared to its highest FIFA ranking ever, reaching No. 30 in the world following a remarkable qualifying campaign for the 2014 World Cup.
The 2013 World Cup qualifying campaign was a defining moment in Armenian football history, yielding impressive results that showcased the team’s potential on the international stage. Notable victories included a dominant 4–0 triumph over Denmark, a hard-fought 2–1 win against Czechia, another 2–1 victory over Bulgaria, and a remarkable 2–2 draw against Italy in their home turf.
Fast forward to over a decade later, and many key players from that golden generation remain active in the sport. Henrikh Mkhitaryan continues to compete at the highest level, currently playing for Inter Milan in Italy’s Serie A. Other notable figures such as Kamo Hovhannisyan and Hrayr Mkoyan are still making their mark in Armenia’s domestic leagues.
Meanwhile, former players like Roman Berezovskiy, Robert Arzumanyan, and Artur Yedigaryan have transitioned into coaching and management roles, contributing to the development of the sport within the country. This reflection on Armenia’s historic FIFA ranking not only highlights past achievements but also sets the stage for the future of Armenian football.
Armenian Women’s National Football Team Suffers Heavy Defeat in World Cup Qualifiers
In a disappointing conclusion to their UEFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign, the Armenian Women’s National Football Team fell to Belarus 6-0 on Tuesday, finishing at the bottom of their group.
The Armenian Women’s National Football Team faced a challenging end to their World Cup Qualifiers, suffering a 6-0 defeat against Belarus in their final match held in Belarus. This loss marks another setback for Armenia, which has yet to qualify for a major tournament in its history.
Belarus wasted no time in establishing dominance, scoring in the second minute and continuing to build their lead. By halftime, the score was already 3-0, leaving little hope for a comeback from the Armenian side.
The match saw an unfortunate turn of events for Armenia, with three of Belarus’ goals resulting from own goals by their players. The remaining goals were scored by Belarusian players Anastasia Kovaleva, Kristina Tikhovodova, and Daria Protasyuk.
With this victory, Belarus secured the top spot in the group, advancing in the qualifiers, while Kazakhstan finished second, leaving Armenia in third place and without any points from the qualification round.
Local Community Rallies for Environmental Awareness
Residents of Springfield gathered last Saturday for an environmental awareness rally, aiming to highlight the importance of sustainable practices and conservation efforts within the community.
The rally, held at the town square, attracted over 300 participants, including families, local businesses, and environmental groups. Organizers emphasized the need for collective action to address pressing environmental issues such as waste management, pollution, and climate change.
Attendees participated in various activities, including workshops on recycling, tree planting, and discussions on reducing plastic use. Local vendors showcased eco-friendly products, while educational booths provided information on sustainable living.
Community leaders, including Mayor John Smith, expressed their support for the initiative. “This rally is a crucial step towards fostering a culture of sustainability in our town,” he remarked. The event not only raised awareness but also encouraged residents to adopt greener practices in their daily lives.
As the rally concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of responsibility towards the environment, highlighting that local actions can lead to global change.
Armenian Footballers Mark Nearly Seven Decades at FIFA World Cup
The legacy of Armenian footballers at the FIFA World Cup spans almost seven decades, showcasing a rich history of talent and achievement from the Soviet Union to modern-day competitions. As the 2026 tournament approaches, a new generation of players looks to make their mark.
The journey of Armenian participation in the FIFA World Cup began in 1958 with Nikita Simonyan, followed by notable players such as Eduard Markarov in 1966 and Khoren Oganesian in 1982, each representing the Soviet Union. The narrative took a historic turn in 1978 when Andranik Eskandarian became the first Armenian to play for Iran in the World Cup. This legacy continued with Andranik Teymourian, who participated in the tournaments of 2006 and 2014, further solidifying the Armenian presence on football’s biggest stage.
The pinnacle for Armenian footballers came during the 1998 World Cup in France, where Youri Djorkaeff and Alain Boghossian not only competed but also lifted the trophy, marking them as the first Armenians to achieve this honor. Their victory remains a significant highlight in the annals of Armenian football history.
Looking ahead, Max Arfsten, newly called up to the United States squad, is poised to join this esteemed group at the 2026 World Cup in North America. This promising development signals a new chapter in the Armenian football narrative, continuing a legacy that spans from Moscow to Paris, Tehran to Columbus. Armenians have consistently contributed to the global football landscape, leaving an indelible mark on the World Cup over generations.
Armenian Premier League Expands to 12 Teams for 2026-27 Season
In a historic decision, the Armenian Premier League is set to expand from 10 to 12 teams starting in the 2026-27 season, as announced by the Armenian Football Federation (FFA). This unanimous vote reflects a strategic move to enhance the competitive landscape of Armenian football.
The Armenian Football Federation (FFA) confirmed that the expansion of the Armenian Premier League will take effect in the upcoming 2026-27 season. In a unanimous decision, all 12 members of the FFA executive voted in favor of the expansion, marking a significant change for the league.
The new league structure will comprise the ten teams that participated in the previous season, with no teams facing relegation. Additionally, Sadarapat and Syunik will be promoted from the second division, joining the top tier of Armenian football. This decision is expected to increase competition among teams and provide more opportunities for players and clubs alike.
The expansion aims to boost interest in local football and foster a more vibrant sporting culture within the country. As the league prepares for this transition, fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming season and the fresh dynamics that the new teams will bring to the competition.
Elina Avanesyan Set to Make History for Armenian Tennis at Billie Jean King Cup
Elina Avanesyan, a former world No. 36, is poised to represent Armenia for the first time at the Billie Jean King Cup after switching her sporting allegiance in 2024, marking a significant milestone in Armenian tennis history.
Elina Avanesyan is ready to make her mark in Armenian tennis as she prepares to compete in the prestigious Billie Jean King Cup. The tournament, which is the foremost national-team competition for women’s tennis, will take place in San Marino from June 15 to 20, 2024. Avanesyan’s participation comes after her recent switch to represent Armenia, a decision that highlights her commitment to her new national team.
Armenia will face a competitive lineup in Europe Group III, which includes teams from Albania, Andorra, Azerbaijan, Estonia, Iceland, Ireland, Kosovo, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, and the host nation, San Marino. This challenging field will test the skills and determination of the Armenian team.
Joining Avanesyan on the squad are veteran player Ani Amiraghyan, along with promising talents Maria Azizyan and Alina Soghomonyan. With this lineup, Armenia boasts one of its strongest women’s tennis teams in recent history, aiming to ascend the ranks of the Billie Jean King Cup and make a notable impact on the international stage.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan Signs One-Year Contract Extension with Inter Milan
Inter Milan has secured the services of veteran midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan for another year, as the Armenian international has agreed to a contract extension that reflects his ongoing value to the team despite his advancing age.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, the Armenian midfielder, will continue to don the Inter Milan jersey for another season after agreeing to a one-year contract extension with the Serie A club. At 37, Mkhitaryan’s experience and leadership have proven invaluable to Inter, where he has consistently contributed on the field. His performance has earned him the respect of teammates and coaches alike, solidifying his role as a key player in the squad.
Mkhitaryan’s contract negotiations are noteworthy not only for the extension itself but also because he has chosen to represent himself without an agent. This decision underscores his professionalism and commitment to the club, as stated by Inter’s sporting director Piero Ausilio. Mkhitaryan’s ability to navigate the complexities of contract discussions independently is a testament to his maturity and understanding of the football business.
As Inter Milan prepares for the upcoming season, retaining Mkhitaryan ensures that the team will benefit from his extensive experience and tactical knowledge, which are critical as they aim for success in both domestic and European competitions.