Video: We Shouldn't Wait, Let’s See - No Equipment, No Bags, No Weights - Government Increases Sports Spending

The Armenian government, by its decision, will provide an additional 200 million drams to the sports federations of Armenia from the 2022 government reserve fund.

This decision was presented during a government session by Ara Khzmalyan, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, noting that it stems from the need to ensure proper participation of athletes in the 2022 European and World Championships while in optimal condition.

“Once the decision is adopted, we expect achievements in the form of medals at various age group championships in Europe and the world, as well as an increase in sports results,” said the Deputy Minister.

Khzmalyan also announced that with additional funding, federations will organize international competitions and championships in Armenia, will hold training and sport camps, and will participate in international competitions, thereby increasing the number of athletes representing Armenia in the European and World Championships.

Arayik Harutyunyan, the head of the government staff, clarified that this additional funding essentially restores the funding cutbacks imposed on sports federations during 2020-2021.

The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of not only effective but also timely funding for sports organizations. “We should not wait until six months before the Olympic Games to realize that we have no weights, no equipment, and no fuel. This should be a part of our planning for normal operational processes, not thinking about how to scrape together something at the last moment. It’s not just a matter of spending aimlessly; it’s also about not spending the money on time,” said Pashinyan.