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Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan held a meeting with tennis players Elina Avanesyan and Alina Charaeva, who represent Armenia at international sporting events.
Also attending the meeting were Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Kristina Tataryan, President of the Tennis Federation of Armenia Vardan Zakaryan, and Vanane Ararktsyan, Executive Director of the Keron Development Foundation.
According to the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan congratulated the tennis players and highlighted their role in raising Armenia’s visibility on international sports platforms. She also thanked the Keron Development Foundation and the Tennis Federation of Armenia for their work aimed at developing sports, particularly tennis, in Armenia.
Zhanna Andreasyan referred to the successful performances of Armenia’s men’s and women’s tennis teams, emphasizing that the results demonstrate the potential for the development of the sport. In the summer, at the Davis Cup Europe Zone Group IV held in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia’s men’s team finished second with four victories and earned promotion to Group III, while the women’s team advanced to Billie Jean King Cup Group II.
“It is important for us to create the necessary infrastructure and opportunities so that more children can play tennis. I hope that your example, as well as the joint work of the ministry, foundation and federation, will contribute to new successes and greater involvement of children in sports,” Andreasyan said, emphasizing the importance of direct interaction between experienced athletes and children and young athletes.
Elina Avanesyan, who has represented Armenia at international tournaments since August 2024, thanked the minister for the reception, emphasizing that she is proud to have the opportunity to represent Armenia on international platforms. According to her, more and more children are taking part in the meetings and master classes held in Armenia each year, and their interest and enthusiasm also motivate her.
Alina Charaeva has obtained Armenian citizenship and will soon compete under the Armenian flag at international tournaments. The 24-year-old athlete is ranked 118th in the WTA rankings and reached 12th place in the ITF Junior rankings.
The athlete visited Armenia for the first time. She emphasized the warm welcome and her impressions of meeting with children: “The warmth of the people here is simply impossible to describe in words. It is a great honor for me to represent Armenia.”
Vanane Ararktsyan, Executive Director of the Keron Development Foundation, thanked the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports for the cooperation, noting that sport is one of the foundation’s strategic areas. The Talent Fund program was also presented, aimed at attracting highly qualified specialists from various fields.
Vardan Zakaryan, President of the Tennis Federation of Armenia, presented the work underway on a new project for the development of tennis infrastructure in Yerevan. The Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports expressed readiness to review the project and discuss the possibilities for its implementation.
The sides also discussed possibilities for popularizing tennis in Armenia, expanding Armenia’s presence on international sports platforms, as well as organizing exhibition matches and other events featuring renowned tennis players.
The athletes presented their upcoming plans, noting that they will travel from Armenia to Brazil and then participate in tournaments in Asia, including in China and South Korea. Participation in the Australian Open is also planned at a later stage.
Andreasyan wished the athletes success, expressing hope that the positive energy and warmth they received from Armenia will accompany them in their international competitions.