ASF President: We Expect Strong Performance and Victories from Armenian Shooters

The Armenian government allocates 500 million AMD for the historic European Shooting Championships in Yerevan, featuring 450 participants from 40 nations.

"The national team has prepared exceptionally well for the European Championships. We look forward to a strong performance and victories from our Armenian shooters," said Artur Hovhannisyan, President of the Armenian Shooting Federation (ASF), during a press conference at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concerts Complex.

The European Shooting Championships will take place from February 27 to March 5 in Yerevan. "In cooperation with the member countries of the European Confederations, we have put in significant effort to make this championship a reality. Now, we simply need to show up, cheer for the Armenian team, and wait for their successful performances," Hovhannisyan added.

All delegations are set to arrive in Yerevan on February 26. The championships will begin with a grand opening ceremony on February 27. "Compared to other sports, shooting usually maintains a modest profile; in many countries, they don't even hold an opening ceremony. However, Armenia has prepared a high-quality opening produced by a specialized organization. The competition days will officially begin on March 1," Hovhannisyan noted.

According to Zhanna Andreasyan, the Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sport, approximately 500 million AMD has been allocated from the state budget for the event.

"Hosting the European Shooting Championships in Yerevan is a historic event. A tremendous amount of work has been done to host participants at a proper level. We are expecting delegations from 40 countries, totaling around 450 athletes and coaches, with 70 sets of medals to be contested," the Minister stated.

She also highlighted the logistical complexities involved: "An interdepartmental commission was formed to coordinate preparations. Since this is a shooting competition, the preparatory phase required specific permits and procedures for firearms and documentation. I am grateful to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, and the State Revenue Committee for their support. I wish success to our 26 shooters and hope for victories in several disciplines."

The Minister further explained that the budget includes the purchase of new sporting equipment. "We planned to acquire equipment that will later be used to develop these sports in schools. We have discussed a future development concept with the Shooting Federation, and the state is ready to continue supporting the growth of this sport. I hope to see many fans at the Sports and Concerts Complex supporting our athletes," Andreasyan concluded.

Armenia will be represented by a 26-member squad throughout the European Championships.

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