There’s No Doubt Everyone Will Do Their Best to Represent the Armenian Flag at the Olympics: Pashinyan Hosts Participants of Olympic Games

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan hosted athletes and coaches from the Armenian national team participating in the Summer Olympics. Present at the meeting were Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan, Acting Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports Vahram Dumanyan, President of the Armenian National Olympic Committee Gagik Tsarukyan, and Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Karen Giloyan.

Pashinyan welcomed the athletes, stating that the Armenian people will be wholeheartedly with them and are looking forward to their performances. “In general, I believe that the role of sports, especially the Olympic movement, should not be underrated, as Olympians and athletes are the ambassadors of our country, representing our people and our nation. The country's image is also significantly determined by the performances of our athletes on various platforms. I hope that we will achieve concrete results in these Olympic Games. Out of 8 sports disciplines, 17 athletes are going to the Olympic Games. Of course, there is a very delicate line here; it is important to inspire and encourage the Olympians for victory, while on the other hand, not to burden them with additional responsibilities and obligations that would hinder them on the competition stage. This is perhaps the most difficult task for all of us—both the National Olympic Committee, and the government, the ministry, and the coaching staff—how to sufficiently encourage our athletes without burdening them with the expectation of victory, so that they can reveal their full potential,” Pashinyan remarked.

The Acting Prime Minister added that the government is consistently addressing the issues faced by athletes. “I am convinced that many issues have not reached me, and the ministry, Olympic committee, and federations have resolved them. I would very much like for us to be able to provide our Olympic team with a truly team-oriented spirit and energy before this Olympics. Of course, we need victories now more than ever, so that our country can regain its confidence and faith in the future, and trust in its own strength after going through these tough trials. I believe I do not need to say this. I am sure our athletes, the Olympians know this very well, better than us. I am confident that even saying this is unnecessary in the context of encouraging them, as there is no doubt that each one will do their utmost to represent the flag and anthem of the Republic of Armenia on the Olympic stage,” Pashinyan stated.

The Acting Minister Vahram Dumanyan expressed gratitude for Pashinyan and the government’s attention towards sports. “Mr. Prime Minister, thank you and your government for your attention, particularly towards sports. Recently, we have seen you inquire daily about our athletes' schedules and issues. I want to reaffirm that our athletes, leaders of the Olympic Committee, and all of us should know that we will always be resolute on this issue and will do whatever is possible, even the impossible,” Dumanyan noted.

Gagik Tsarukyan, President of the Armenian National Olympic Committee, highlighted the challenges faced by athletes due to the coronavirus pandemic and emergency situations, particularly in participating in competitions and securing more Olympic qualifying spots. He added that this time, only the strongest athletes would participate in the Olympic Games. “This time we decided that only the strongest will go. The participants today are the best, all of them are medalists; they didn’t just secure their qualifications easily. We expect 3-5 medals this time. All are champions, they have prepared, are experienced, and have participated in both Olympic and World and European Championships. Their life’s goal is to participate in the Olympic Games, to elevate the honor of the nation, to raise the tricolor flag, and to play the anthem. There are no issues; all questions have been resolved collaboratively with the government, ministry, federation, and Olympic Committee,” Tsarukyan stated.