RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan received the representatives of winter sports federations to discuss the state's policy towards these sports, development opportunities and assistance programs.

ESCS Deputy Minister Hasmik Avagyan, Secretary General of the Ministry Hasmik Hakobyan, representatives of the hockey, figure skating, skiing and snowboarding federations of Armenia also participated in the meeting.

Welcoming the attendees, ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreasyan, first of all, congratulated the Armenian Ice Hockey Federation and the athletes on their successful performances and winning a silver medal at the World Championship Division IV held in Yerevan. Additionally, the ESCS Minister expressed her gratitude for the efforts made and for organizing the championship at a high level.

“After a 15-year hiatus, our team had the opportunity to participate in an international tournament and performed very well. I am sure this will motivate us to keep going, contributing to the development of hockey in our country and increasing public attention,” said Zhanna Andreasyan, emphasizing the importance of joint work in advancing winter sports.

In this context, the Minister mentioned that after a 14-year hiatus, the second Pan-Armenian Winter Games were held this year. “It is clearly defined in the sports strategy that the state must take steps towards the advancement of winter sports,” noted Zhanna Andreasyan.

The representatives of winter sports federations expressed gratitude for the reception and the willingness to work towards the development of particular sports. President of the Armenian Ski and Snowboard Federation Gagik Sargsyan highlighted two areas: development and popularization, as well as outstanding accomplishments. Speaking on development and popularization, the President of the Federation stressed the importance of having appropriate sports schools, which is a primary prerequisite for achieving results and contributing to sports development.

A reference was also made to the Winter Olympic Games to be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, in February 2026. Zhanna Andreasyan highlighted the importance of proper preparation and participation in the Games, emphasizing the commitment of the state in terms of support and encouragement, working collaboratively with the federations.

The meeting also covered various other issues related to the provision of appropriate property and sports equipment, the development of training infrastructure, the popularization of winter sports and the prospects for their dissemination among schoolchildren.