Armenia is fully prepared to host the final stage of the European Under-16 Volleyball Championship in Yerevan from July 23 to August 3, Education, Science, Culture and Sport Minister Zhanna Andreasyan announced at a press conference. The Armenian government has allocated around 130 million drams for the event.
Karen Asmaryan, Secretary General of the national volleyball federation, noted this will be the first European tournament for this age group following changes to age categories by the international federation in 2024, Armenpress reported.
Given that this is the first pan-European volleyball tournament to be held in Armenia, the event is seen as doubly historic. The government and volleyball federation have made all necessary preparations.
“We allocated about 130 million drams from the state budget. We also acquired essential equipment, including scoreboards meeting top international standards, enabling us to host various sporting events. This will allow for future volleyball tournaments in larger venues. Everything required for the championship has been provided, thanks to joint efforts with the volleyball federation,” said Andreasyan.
She recalled that this will be Armenia’s fourth major international sports event this year, following the Ice Hockey World Championship Division C, the Karate World Championship, and the ongoing Under-20 Basketball Division B Championship.
Andreasyan added that Armenia plans to host more high-profile competitions in the future. In 2027, it is expected to organize the 10th Francophonie International Games, the Weightlifting World Championship, and the European Gymnastics Championship.
The minister also revealed that during a meeting with FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa and Executive Director Kamil Novak, they discussed prospects for organizing larger basketball tournaments in Armenia.
Andreasyan expressed confidence that the championship will drive greater popularity and development of volleyball across the country. She said the government’s approved sports strategy gives a special role to team sports.
She also noted that the creation of a school volleyball league is under discussion with the national federation and highlighted the government's focus on improving sports infrastructure.
