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Yerevan is set to host the FIBA U16 EuroBasket Division C tournament.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the competition, Narine Shahbazyan, Head of the Sports Policy Department at Armenia's Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport, and Artur Nazaryan, Secretary General of the Basketball Federation of Armenia, discussed the significance of the event.
Armenia is hosting a European youth basketball tournament for the second consecutive year. Last year, the country staged the FIBA U20 EuroBasket Division B tournament.
"Building on the experience of last year's FIBA U20 EuroBasket Division B tournament, as well as the investments made by the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport to upgrade the Sports Management Center, we have been able to host this tournament as well. Experience has shown that such events have a positive impact on the country's reputation, the development of basketball, and the economy. We are now working to maintain this momentum," Nazaryan said.
He added that the Basketball Federation of Armenia aims to continue hosting similar tournaments in the coming years.
Speaking about Armenia's national team, Nazaryan noted that the squad includes players from Armenia, the United States, and Russia.
"We have a highly competitive team. Reaching the final would already be a positive result for us, and why not aim to win the tournament," he said.
Nazaryan also expressed confidence that Armenia has a strong chance of hosting a European women's youth basketball tournament in the coming years.
Narine Shahbazyan noted that basketball is one of the most widely played team sports in Armenia after football.
"Our goal is also to improve sports infrastructure through events like this. Expectations for the national team are high, as victory would allow it to advance to the next stage," she said.
Nearly all participating teams have already arrived in Yerevan. All matches will be played at the Sports Management Center. Admission is free.
Nine teams are taking part in the tournament.