Elina Avanesyan and Alina Charaeva hold masterclass for young athletes in Tsaghkadzor

Keron Development Foundation press release

On September 5, the Keron Development Foundation and the Armenian Tennis Federation organized a special event and tennis masterclass for young athletes at the Tsaghkadzor Main Sports Complex.

The event brought together two leading names in Armenian women’s tennis: Elina Avanesyan, Armenia’s No. 1 women’s tennis player, who represents the country in international tournaments, and Alina Charaeva, who has recently begun a new chapter in her career representing Armenia.

A participant in the Keron Development Foundation’s Talent Pool Program, Elina Avanesyan joined the Armenian women’s national team for the first time this year after two years of competing under the Armenian flag. She represented Armenia at the Billie Jean King Cup, where the national team achieved a historic result, earning promotion to Group II for the first time in 16 years.

In July 2026, with the support of the Keron Development Foundation and the Armenian Tennis Federation, Alina Charaeva received Armenian citizenship and has since begun competing under the Armenian flag in international tournaments.

The event opened with remarks by Vanane Ararktsyan, Executive Director of the Keron Development Foundation; Vardan Zakaryan, President of the Armenian Tennis Federation; and Aghavni Dilanyan, Deputy CEO of Nairi Insurance, the Main Partner of the athletes’ visit to Armenia this year. The speakers highlighted the important role of sport in inspiring the younger generation, promoting healthy lifestyles, and increasing interest in tennis in Armenia.

Around 200 children and young athletes from Yerevan and different regions of Armenia took part in the masterclass. Members of the “Dzerqd Tur” NGO also joined the event, including senior tennis enthusiasts who participated in the activities alongside the younger players.

The participants warmly welcomed Elina and Alina and enthusiastically joined the training sessions and tennis activities led by the two athletes.

During the event, children and tennis enthusiasts had the opportunity to play with Elina and Alina, take part in games and competitions, receive gifts, and ask the players questions. The athletes shared their professional experience and spoke about their journeys on the international tennis circuit, including the challenges they have faced and the milestones they have achieved.

At the end of the masterclass, participants had the opportunity to take photos with Elina and Alina, receive autographs, and take home special tennis-themed gifts.

Elina Avanesyan, who received Armenian citizenship in 2024 with the support of the Keron Development Foundation and now represents Armenia in international tournaments, said:

“It is a great joy for me to return to Armenia and share my experience. I hope these meetings will motivate children and inspire them to pursue their biggest goals.”

Alina Charaeva, who received Armenian citizenship in July this year and now competes under the Armenian flag, said:

“It is a great honor for me to compete internationally under the Armenian flag. I am looking forward to this new chapter and everything it will bring.”

Later that evening, a special exhibition match featuring Elina Avanesyan and Alina Charaeva took place. For the first time in Armenia, two internationally ranked professional women’s tennis players faced each other on the same court. The match gave tennis fans a rare opportunity to experience professional tennis up close, feel the energy of high-level competition, and witness a meaningful moment for Armenian tennis.

Sport is one of five strategic areas of the Keron Development Foundation. Through initiatives like this, the Foundation aims not only to inspire young athletes, but also to promote tennis in Armenia, encourage greater participation among children and young people, and contribute to the development of the country’s sporting landscape.