Armenian Skier Mika Mikayelyan Defends Logo Covering Decision Amid Controversy
Mika Mikayelyan, an Armenian skier, has publicly explained his choice to cover the “Azerbaijan” sponsorship logo on his uniform during a recent competitive event, an act that resulted in a fine from the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS).
The incident occurred during a skiing competition where Mikayelyan prioritized his national dignity over sponsorship obligations. After competing, he addressed the race jury’s concerns about his actions and conveyed that for him, protecting his homeland’s image is paramount.
According to reports, Azerbaijan’s State Tourism Agency has a five-year agreement with the FIS that mandates the inclusion of its logo across various events and uniforms, suggesting potential future conflicts for athletes like Mikayelyan. He indicated that while the jury asked him to refrain from similar actions in the future, he could not guarantee compliance.
Mikayelyan stated, “When a country is aggressively hostile toward my homeland, I cannot consider this to be outside politics.” He expressed hope for peace but remained firm on his stance to cover the logo in future competitions. Gagik Sargsyan, president of the Armenian Ski Federation, voiced support for Mikayelyan and assured that the federation would cover any fines incurred from this decision.