Held in Armenia for the first time, the European Shooting Championships kicked off with a solemn opening ceremony in Yerevan.

The event began with an impressive show program that highlighted both the elegance and unique aspects of the shooting sport. Following the sound and light show, a parade of flags representing the participating countries was held.

Welcoming remarks were delivered by RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, RA Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Zhanna Andreasyan, President of the European Shooting Confederation, Alexander Ratner; and the President of the Shooting Federation of Armenia, Arthur Hovhannisyan.

Welcoming the attendees, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, noted, in particular: “We are delighted to host this championship. We are pleased to note that Armenia is becoming a regular venue for European and World Championships. I am convinced that these championships will provide a new impetus for the advancement of international sport in general and for the development of these particular sports in Armenia.”

ESCS Minister Zhanna Andreyasyan highlighted that hosting the championship is a great responsibility for Armenia and an important opportunity to once again present the country to the international community as a reliable venue for organizing high-scale sporting events.

She emphasized that in recent years, Armenia has pursued a policy of hosting major international tournaments, having previously hosted the European Boxing and Weightlifting Championships as well as the World Karate Championships. The upcoming European Artistic Gymnastics Championships, the World Weightlifting Championships and the 10th International Francophonie Games are also scheduled to be held in Armenia.

Hundreds of athletes, coaches, and delegates from around 40 countries have arrived in Armenia to participate in the European Shooting Championships. The competitions will be held in air pistol, air rifle, and moving target events. In total, 70 medal sets will be awarded.

The ESCS Minister expressed gratitude to the members of the interdepartmental commission responsible for organizing the championship, to state bodies for their efficient and diligent preparation, and to the European Shooting Confederation for entrusting Armenia this significant event.

Zhanna Andreasyan also highlighted Armenia’s shooting traditions, emphasizing that the strong foundation established during the Soviet era has continued to evolve and develop following the independence. She mentioned the champion of the Olympic Games1992, Hrachya Petikyan, as well as well-known shooters Zinaida Simonyan and Yerjanik Avetisyan. The Minister underlined that today, Armenian shooters continue to enhance the country’s presence in European and world competitions, consistently achieving impressive results.

Armenia is participating in this European Championship with a 26-member national team. The Minister welcomed the representatives of the participating countries, expressing hope that the championship will serve not only as a major sporting event but also as an opportunity to explore Armenia and make plans for future visits.

“I am confident that the championship will become a major sporting event, bringing us all together around sport,” Zhanna Andriasyan said and wished good luck to the participants of the championship.

Alexander Ratner, President of the European Shooting Confederation, acknowledged that Armenia’s proposal to host the European Championship initially seemed very bold.

“For many, this was a bold challenge, since a sporting event of this scale, such as shooting, had never been organized in this country before, but we believed in one another, saw the determination and immense potential of our Armenian partners, and trusted in their experience. Today, I can proudly state that our Armenian partners have successfully overcome these challenges. They have created excellent conditions for hundreds of athletes. I am confident that this championship will become a powerful impetus for the development of shooting in Armenia,” Ratner said, thanking the RA Government and the ESCS Ministry for their cooperation and work.

The flag of the Confederation of European Shooting was then handed over to Arthur Hovhannisyan, President of the Armenian Shooting Federation, in recognition of honor to host the European Championship.

Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister Arayik Harutyunyan, representatives of legislative and executive bodies, President of the World Shooting Federation Luciano Rossi, and other guests also attended the event.

The European Championship will be held on March 1-5 at the K. Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex. February 28 will be a training day.