Football is the most popular sport in Armenia and is considered the Armenia National Sport. Armenians are passionate about football and have a deep-rooted history in the sport. In this article, we will explore the history of football in Armenia, the current state of the sport, the success of the national team, and the impact football has had on the country.
History of Armenia National Sport
Football was first introduced to Armenia during the early 20th century by Armenian students who had studied in Europe. The first official football club in Armenia, “Ararat,” was founded in 1926 in Yerevan. In 1936, the first Soviet Armenian football team was established. In the years that followed, football became increasingly popular in the country, with numerous clubs being formed and matches being played.
However, during the Soviet era, the Armenian national team was unable to participate in international competitions. It was only after Armenia gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 that the national team was able to participate in international competitions.
Current State of Football in Armenia
Football continues to be the most popular sport in Armenia, with thousands of people playing and watching the sport across the country. There are currently eight professional football clubs in Armenia, with the Armenian Premier League being the top division of the country’s football league system.
The Armenian Football Federation is responsible for organizing and regulating football in Armenia. The federation is a member of both FIFA and UEFA and is responsible for organizing national team matches, as well as domestic league matches.
Success of the National Team
The Armenian national football team has had limited success in international competitions. The team’s biggest achievement to date was qualifying for the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship, which was held in Poland and Ukraine. Although they did not make it out of the group stage, it was a significant achievement for a country with a population of just over three million people.
The national team’s most successful player to date is Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who currently plays for Roma in the Italian Serie A. Mkhitaryan has played over 90 games for the national team and has scored over 30 goals, making him the team’s all-time leading scorer.
Impact of Football on Armenia
Football has had a significant impact on Armenia, both culturally and economically. The sport has brought people together and has helped to create a sense of national pride. Football matches are a popular form of entertainment in Armenia, with thousands of fans attending matches each week.
The success of the national team has also had a positive impact on the country’s economy. The increased interest in football has led to the development of the sport at the grassroots level, with more children and young people taking up the sport.
FAQs
- What is the national sport of Armenia?
Football is the national sport of Armenia.
- How many professional football clubs are there in Armenia?
There are currently eight professional football clubs in Armenia.
- Who is the most successful Armenian football player?
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is the most successful Armenian football player.
- Has the Armenian national team ever qualified for a major international tournament?
Yes, the Armenian national team qualified for the 2012 UEFA European Football Championship.
- What impact has football had on Armenia?
Football has had a significant cultural and economic impact on Armenia, bringing people together and developing the sport at the grassroots level.
Conclusion
Football is an important part of Armenian culture and history, with the sport being considered the national sport of the country. The success of the national team and the popularity of football in the country have had a positive impact on the country’s economy and have helped to create a sense of national pride. Despite limited success in international competitions, football continues to be the most popular sport in Armenia, and it is clear that the sport will continue to play an important role in the country’s future. With more investment and support for the sport, Armenia could potentially become a competitive force in international football in the years to come.
References
- “Football in Armenia.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 Apr. 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_in_Armenia.
- “Armenia National Football Team.” UEFA.com, Union of European Football Associations, www.uefa.com/teamsandplayers/teams/teama/team=58839/index.html.
- “The History of Armenian Football.” Armenia TV, 11 Sept. 2019, armeniatv.am/en/news/sport/2019/09/11/History-of-Armenian-Football/204477.
