"Ararat 73" – 40 years after: Doctor Vahagn Ordyan about Ararat-players' and current team's similarities

YEREVAN, JUNE 26, ARMENPRESS. The more we study the details regarding the triumphs of "Ararat 73", the more new and interesting facts and events come forth, which are unknown for the contemporary footballers. "Armenpress" opens that "golden page" in the history book of the Armenian sport. Both the heroes and witnesses of the heroic triumph of "Ararat 73" tell new details about the club's achievements. This time the project is dedicated tothe memories of Ararat's doctor Vahagn Ordyan.

- How and when did You come to "Ararat"?

- I came to "Ararat" one year after 1973 – in 1974. After finishing the military service I went to work in the Republican Dispensary of Physical Culture. At that time "Ararat" had no doctor, because their doctor – Aram Yusufyan had left for the Untied States. I was invited to the team and I have left for the several matches with the guys. After, I entered the Moscow University after Schmidt. But I did not graduate it and returned to Yerevan after the death of my father. I came to the team in January of 1975, when Victor Maslov became the chief coach of "Ararat". And remained there from 1975 to 1996.

- Currently You are working with the national team. What similarities and differences do You see between the two teams?

- By all means one thing is evident in the manner the two teams' play – they are Armenians and have the same mentality. But there are differences as well. The time does its job. There is a huge difference between the football and football players of the past and present. We have a good national team now. I am hopeful that the great victories we are looking forward to are yet to come. Our new generation has good perspectives. Among them are Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Edgar Manucharyan and others. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE ARTICLE IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)

Vahagn Ordyan's memories about "Ararat" were gratefully written down by Varvara Hayrapetyan