RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan, visited the Ashotsk Ski Centre to meet athletes preparing for the 25th Winter Olympic Games and to familiarize herself with their training process and conditions. ESCS Deputy Minister Hasmik Avagyan accompanied her.

The Olympic skiers representing Armenia, Mikael Mikaelyan and Katya Galstyan, are training at the Ashotsk training camp, while the alpine skier Harutyun Harutyunyan has already departed for Milan.

Head coach Artur Mikayelyan presented the details of the training process, the athletes’ daily routine, and their achievements in the sport.

Minister Zhanna Andreasyan wished the athletes success, noting in particular: “Participating in the Olympic Games is already a remarkable achievement: the experience you will gain throughout this process is truly invaluable. You are a good example for children with your journey, inspiring them to take up skiing. Rest assured, the state stands by you: one of our key objectives is showcasing the example of successful athletes and encouraging children’s participation in winter sports.”

The Minister spoke with the athletes participating in the Olympic Games, inquiring about their preparation process and mindset. They expressed their gratitude for the attention and hoped that their positive attitude will help them return with results.

The ESCS Minister also spoke with para-alpine skier Garik Melkonyan, who last year won a medal at an international competition for the first time in the history of para-alpine skiing in Armenia, and who will also participate in the Winter Paralympic Games this March. Zhanna Andreasyan highly appreciated Garik Melkonyan's efforts, thanked him for his work and wished him success in the 2026 Paralympic Games.

Zhanna Andreasyan asked the young athletes about how long they have been practising skiing, how they study at school, and what other interests they have.

The possibilities for advancing winter sports, the prospects for forming new groups among school-age children, potential state support in this area, and other issues were also discussed on site.

The Minister also spoke about the state program for providing sports equipment, emphasizing the need to identify the specific needs for equipment of this sport. Zhanna Andreasyan stated that discussions are underway on supporting and funding other sports in private facilities, similar to the financing of children’s classes in regional private swimming pools. Within this framework, consideration is also given to the financing of training for children wishing to take up skiing, which could serve as a significant stimulus for the development of the sport, contributing to its popularization.

The 25th Winter Olympic Games will be held from February 6 to 22 in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.