Armenian Sports Institute showcases renovations amid reforms

Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan visited the Armenian State Institute of Physical Culture and Sport to inspect the recent renovations. Accompanied by the institute’s Rector Tigran Simonyan, the Minister toured the wrestling, judo, weightlifting, and artistic gymnastics halls where restoration and modernization work had been carried out, the ministry said in a press release.

The conditions created in these facilities, as well as the opportunities for organizing the training process, were presented. Andreasyan emphasized the importance of the continuous modernization of sports infrastructure, noting that modern and safe conditions are a key prerequisite for effective athlete preparation, achieving competitive results, and encouraging young people’s interest in sports.

The Minister also visited the institute’s shooting range, where the prospects for developing sport shooting in schools were discussed. The importance of creating an appropriate environment in schools, as well as including necessary components in physical education programs, was emphasized, with special attention also given to the training of physical education teachers. The parties expressed readiness to cooperate in creating the necessary conditions, developing the material and technical base, and training specialists.

Later, Andreasyan visited the volleyball facility, where professional sports flooring had been installed. Emphasizing the development of team sports, the Minister noted that more than 5,000 children participated in the “School Volleyball League” organized for the first time last year, and an increase in participation is expected this year.

They also discussed matters concerning the preparation of professionals in physical education and sports, focusing especially on filling vacant school PE teacher positions with qualified candidates. Zhanna Andreasyan noted that teachers who took part in the second round of voluntary certification and performed successfully are expected to have their base salary increased to 300,000 drams, with 30%, 40%, and 50% bonuses then applied to this higher base, as part of efforts to improve the teacher pay system.

The Minister also visited the “Sport Lab” research center, where studies are conducted in the fields of sports physiology, biomechanics, and rehabilitation science. The center is also equipped with psychophysiological testing devices necessary for assessing athletes. Its functions include conducting research programs as well as evaluating the functional condition of athletes from various clubs and federations.

During the discussion, it was emphasized that sports development policy should be based on modern scientific data. The Minister highlighted the importance of scientific research and noted that, in the case of relevant program proposals, state support can be provided within targeted programs.

“We must have research data that will allow us to revise existing standards in a well-founded manner. Sport is also a science, and it is very important that universities present scientific proposals aimed at the development of the field,” said Andreasyan.

Within the framework of the visit, reference was also made to the international conference “Sport for Peace and Health,” which was dedicated last year to the 80th anniversary of the institute and will henceforth be held annually.