A Total of $133,200 Was Allocated to Aronian in 2019: Clarification from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia

The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs of Armenia approached the government in May 2019, and from the Government's reserve fund, Levon Aronian was granted 133,200 USD equivalent for a year, intended for a computer purchase and several other expenses. This information was confirmed to ArmSport by the Public Relations and Information Department of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia.

The budget execution of 2019 also includes a corresponding line confirming this allocation. The decision made on May 3, 2019, concerning the allocation of funds to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs states that this allocation is based on a reassignment within the Armenian state budget for 2019 and amendments to the Government’s decision No. 1515-N of December 27, 2018. Specifically, it reads: "Based on Article 19(3) and Article 23(3) of the Law on the Budgetary System of the Republic of Armenia, the Government of the Republic of Armenia decides: 1. To allocate to the Ministry of Sport and Youth Affairs of Armenia an equivalent of 133,200 USD in 2019 to ensure Levon Aronian's preparation for and participation in the 2019 World Chess Championship, of which 66,600 USD will be allocated in the first half of the year, and 99,900 USD within nine months, from the reserve fund of the Government of the Republic of Armenia cited in the budgetary classification of 'Other current grants'."

It was also decided that the funds allocated by the first point of this decision would be provided to the Armenian Chess Federation based on a donation agreement. The decision came into effect the day after its official publication.

It should be noted that there have been circulating reports in the media since yesterday regarding Levon Aronian, a leading Armenian chess player and grandmaster, who reportedly has decided to no longer compete under the Armenian flag and is considering relocating to the USA to compete under that country's flag. This decision is reportedly linked to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's failure to fulfill a promise made during the early months of his tenure.

According to the media reports, during a meeting, the Prime Minister had promised to address the issues of financing for a supercomputer and a personal coach, enabling the chess player to prepare fully for the upcoming Candidates Tournament for the World Championship, but this promise was not fulfilled.

Our sources indicate that the question of Aronian moving to the USA has indeed been discussed and is not ruled out; however, the Armenian grandmaster has yet to comment on the circulating rumors. It is difficult to assert whether the cause of such a decision is due to insufficient support from the Government or if there are other reasons involved. Nonetheless, according to Smbat Lputyan, Vice President of the Armenian Chess Federation, Aronian is expected to make a statement in the coming days.