“Winter Sports Are Treated Like Orphans”: Armenian Skiing Faces Crisis Before Olympics
The President of the Armenian Ski Federation, Gagik Sargsyan, has spoken in detail about the serious difficulties facing Armenian skiing as the country prepares for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan. According to him, the federation is working without state support while dealing with long-standing structural and financial problems that continue to limit the development of winter sports in Armenia. “From the very beginning, unequal conditions are set between summer and wi
Armenian Ski Athletes Earned 2026 Olympic Spots Without Government Funding
The president of the Armenian Ski Federation has publicly confirmed that the federation will fully cover a fine issued to national team skier Mikayel Mikayelyan following a World Cup incident in Italy, voicing support for the athlete’s decision to cover the word “Azerbaijan” on his competition uniform. Gagik Sargsyan, president of the Armenian Ski Federation, said the federation stands behind Mikayelyan and will pay the fine in full once it is officially issued. “I welcome Mi
Armenian Skier Says Federation Will Cover Fine After Uniform Protest at World Cup Event
EXCLUSIVE: Italian event organizers have not yet finalized the amount of a fine issued to Armenian cross-country skier Mikayel Mikayelyan after he covered the word “Azerbaijan” on his competition uniform during a World Cup event in Italy, the athlete told The Armenian Report in an exclusive statement. Mikaelyan said the penalty was still under review by officials and that no official notice had yet been delivered. “I don't know yet how much my fine is, because the jury didn’t
Armenians Gather in Etchmiadzin for Christmas Eve as Church–State Tensions Grow
As it does every year, The Armenian Report began its first filming day of the year in Etchmiadzin, at the Mother See of the Armenian Apostolic Church, covering Christmas Eve. The holiday, celebrated on January 6 by the Armenian Church, brought thousands of believers to Etchmiadzin despite cold weather and growing political tension around the Church. Throughout the day, The Armenian Report spoke with people who gathered at the Mother See to take part in prayers, light candles,
Armenian Skier Fined at Tour de Ski for Covering the Word “Azerbaijan” on His Uniform
Armenian cross-country skier Mikael Mikaelyan was fined during the Tour de Ski tournament held in Italy after he covered the word “Azerbaijan” on his competition uniform. The incident took place at the start of the event and quickly drew attention within the international winter sports community. The situation is linked to a sponsorship agreement signed by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. The federation has a five-year contract with Azerbaijan’s State Tourism A
Interview With the Pair Skaters Who Will Represent Armenia at the 2026 Winter Olympics
Figure skaters Karina Akopova and Nikita Rakhmanin, who will represent Armenia at the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan, say their decision to compete under the Armenian flag carries deep personal meaning and a strong sense of responsibility. In an interview with The Armenian Report, the pair said they officially changed their sporting citizenship in 2024 – a significant step for Armenian winter sports. Akopova said her choice was driven by identity rather than convenience.
Armenian Servicemen Share Holiday Messages While Guarding the Country During New Year and Christmas
As the world welcomes the New Year and Armenians prepare to celebrate Armenian Christmas on January 6, the Defense Ministry of Armenia invited The Armenian Report to visit servicemen who are currently on duty, guarding the country during the holiday season. Journalist Ani Khachatryan met with soldiers serving far from their families, many of whom will spend the holidays in uniform rather than at home. During this visit, the servicemen shared personal reflections about service
Arman Tsarukyan’s First Fight in Armenia Ends in a Draw Against Shara Bullet Before Sold-Out Yerevan Crowd
A grappling fight took place at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan, where Armenian mixed martial arts fighter Arman Tsarukyan faced Russian fighter Shara Bullet. The bout was part of the first Hype Fighting event and was held in the lightweight division. Arman Tsarukyan, who is ranked number one in the UFC lightweight rankings, competed in front of a home crowd for the first time in his career. The match lasted six minutes, and after the full time had
Exclusive: Shara “Bullet” Magomedov Draws UFC Belt on Back Brace for Arman Tsarukyan
The Armenian Report had the opportunity to speak exclusively with UFC fighters Arman Tsarukyan and Shara “Bullet” Magomedov ahead of a major press conference in Yerevan, as anticipation continues to grow around their upcoming matchup at a Hype FC event scheduled for December 30. During his interview with The Armenian Report before the press conference, Shara Bullet spoke about his visit to Armenia and described it as a new country he plans to “conquer.” He explained that this
Trump Recalls U.S. Ambassador to Armenia in Global Diplomatic Shake-Up
The United States ambassador to Armenia, Kristina Kvien, has reportedly been recalled from her post as part of a wider shake-up of American diplomatic leadership ordered by President Donald Trump. According to reports, she is among dozens of senior U.S. diplomats whose terms are being cut short as the new administration moves to reshape foreign policy leadership around the world. The Associated Press reported on Monday, citing two unnamed U.S. State Department officials, that
Armenian Adelia Petrosyan Dominates Russian Figure Skating Championship for Third Straight Title
Eighteen-year-old Armenian figure skater Adelia Petrosyan delivered a stunning performance at the Russian Figure Skating Championship in Saint Petersburg, strengthening her bid for a third straight national gold medal. Her skating was confident, clean, and powerful, clearly setting her apart from the rest of the field and placing her among the top figures in the sport today. Petrosyan, who is of Armenian heritage, showed full control in both the short program and the free ska
Thousands Gather at Holy Etchmiadzin as Church Faces Public Showdown Over Catholicos Karekin II
On December 18, thousands of people gathered at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin in Armenia. The gathering followed a call by ten bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church who asked the public to join them and demand the resignation of Catholicos Karekin II. Thousands of police officers were deployed at the Mother See to maintain order. Supporters of the Church and the ten bishops gathered in the courtyard of the Mother See. One side chanted the Catholicos’ name, sang church
Armenians Share How They Plan To Celebrate the Holidays in the Homeland
As 2025 moves closer to its end, people across Armenia are already preparing for the New Year holidays. Streets are becoming busier, shops are filling with decorations, and families are starting to plan how and where they will celebrate. To better understand these traditions and choices, The Armenian Report spoke with citizens about how they celebrate New Year and whether they plan to spend it in Armenia or abroad. Many of those asked said they plan to celebrate New Year in t
Why Tourists Are Choosing To Spend Holidays 2025 in Yerevan, Armenia
As Yerevan enters the holiday season, Republic Square continues to attract large crowds of both locals and visitors. In recent days, the square has become a meeting point for tourists from different parts of the world who have chosen Armenia as their holiday destination. The Armenian Report visited Republic Square to speak directly with visitors and understand why they decided to celebrate the New Year in Armenia. Tourists from the Philippines, Iran, Syria, India, Yemen, and
