The official opening ceremony of the 60th European Karate Championship was held at the Karen Demirchyan Sports and Concert Complex in Yerevan.

Minister of Education, Science, Culture, and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan, President of the European Karate Federation Antonio Espinós, and President of the Armenian Karate Federation Vazgen Harutyunyan attended the ceremony.

Minister Andreasyan wished the participating athletes success.

“The hosting of the European Senior Karate Championship is a historic event for Armenian karate. Karate is widely practiced both in Armenia and around the world, and it is a great honor to have the opportunity to host this event in Armenia, thereby presenting our country to the international community,” she said.

The Minister praised the 60th European Senior Karate Championship in Yerevan as one of the largest and most significant events held in Armenia this year.

She emphasized that “hosting international tournaments is one of the priorities of the Government of the Republic of Armenia.”

“We will host the European Shooting Championship next year, and several major events are planned for 2027. So we will have many opportunities to welcome sports delegations from different countries and to strengthen Armenia’s position on the global sports map,” said Andreasyan.

Vazgen Harutyunyan, President of the Karate Federation of Armenia, stated:

“For us, this is more than a sporting event. It is a moment of self-awareness, unity, and shared trust within the European karate family. Armenia is a country built on the values of discipline, respect, and endurance; values deeply rooted in the spirit of karate.

 In recent years, we have worked tirelessly to strengthen our federation, invest in youth development, and promote karate not only as a competitive sport but also as a way of life.”

Antonio Espinós, President of the European Karate Federation, welcomed the participants, wished them success in the tournament, and officially declared the championship open.

     Armenia will host the event from May 7 to 11. About 1,000 athletes are participating in the tournament. 

Published by Armenpress, original at https://armenpress.am/en/article/1219245