Armenia gears up to host European Shooting Championship for first time

Armenia’s sports minister has hailed it as a “historic event” that the country will host the 2026 European Shooting Championship.

“It is truly a historic event, because Armenia is hosting the European Shooting Championship for the first time,” Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan said at a press conference.

“Extensive preparatory work has been done so that we can properly welcome the participants. An interdepartmental commission has been formed. I believe that during the days of the championship, we will have the opportunity to follow the successful performances of our national team and athletes and also see them on the podium,” she added.

The government has allocated around 500 million AMD for preparations, and authorities plan to afterward use the equipment acquired for the development of sports school infrastructure.

“We have had lengthy discussions with the federation about the concept and approaches for the development of shooting sports. The government is ready to implement this work. Compared to 2018, funding for the sports sector in 2026 has quadrupled. This year, we have allocated around 15 billion drams to sports. Our goals in sports are very serious, and together with the federations, we will follow a path that will enable us to achieve more stable and better results,” the minister said.

The head coach of the Armenian national team, Seyran Nikoghosyan, said that 26 athletes will represent Armenia at the championship. He said that years ago he would dream of sending even five athletes to a European championship. 

“I am hopeful that by hosting this championship we will give new momentum to the broader development of the sport and the creation of infrastructure in other cities. I am confident that we will win medals. As for me, there are many favorite countries participating in the tournament, and we are among the favorites. Shooting sport is highly developed in European countries,” he emphasized.

The 10m Rifle, Pistol and Moving Target European Shooting Championship will be held in Yerevan at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex from February 27 to March 5. Hundreds of athletes from 40 countries are expected to take part.