Armenia Names Best Athletes and Coaches of the Year

YEREVAN — The Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of Armenia has held its annual “Best of the Year in Sports” competition, with winners determined through a consolidated vote by sports journalists accredited by the ministry.

The voting was conducted in a closed and secret format by accredited sports journalists, while the final results were compiled by a commission formed by ministerial order. The process was observed by Deputy Minister Hasmik Avagyan, who thanked journalists for their participation and highlighted the importance of the initiative for Armenia’s sports sector.

“Sports journalists have the opportunity to select the athletes who, throughout 2025, best promoted the Republic of Armenia by raising the national flag at various international competitions and achieving outstanding results on the global sports map,” Avagyan said. She also expressed appreciation to athletes who were not included in this year’s lists, stressing that their efforts and contributions remain valued by the state regardless of the competition.

Winners by category are as follows:

• Best Three Athletes: Varazdat Lalayan (weightlifting), Artur Davtyan (artistic gymnastics), Malkhas Amoyan (Greco-Roman wrestling)
• Best Female Athlete: Alexandra Grigoryan (weightlifting)
• Best Athlete with a Disability: Sargis Sargsyan (chess)
• Best Team: Armenia national futsal team
• Best Young Athlete: Gaspar Terteryan (Greco-Roman wrestling)
• Comeback to Big Sport / Breakthrough of the Year: Suren Harutyunyan (karate)
• Athlete Best Promoting the Republic of Armenia: Hamlet Manukyan (artistic gymnastics)
• Best Coach: Pashik Alaverdyan (weightlifting)

The winner of the “Audience Choice” category will be determined through an online vote, which is set to conclude today at 5:00 p.m.

Members of the commission and participating journalists also discussed the competition format and offered observations and recommendations. Commission member Hakob Abrahamyan, President of the National Paralympic Committee of Armenia, emphasized the significance of introducing the “Best Athlete with a Disability” category for the second consecutive year, noting that it appropriately recognizes athletes with disabilities who achieve success across various sports disciplines. He assessed the competition as well organized.

The goal of the “Best of the Year in Sports” competition is to encourage and honor Armenian athletes and coaches who have achieved notable success during the year and who, through their performances, have contributed to enhancing Armenia’s international recognition and prestige, as well as promoting national symbols and values.