Armenian Ski Federation head steps down amid funding disputes

Gagik Sargsyan has announced his resignation as president of the Armenian Ski Federation, citing years of unresolved financial and organizational challenges.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Sargsyan said the decision was difficult but inevitable, stressing that the sport cannot be developed “only by the federation or its president” without broader institutional support. He noted that as of 20 January, the Ski Federation had still not received state funding, leaving national championships dependent on borrowed resources.

“Year after year, the same situation continues. At times junior competitions have been postponed, while the fate of senior championships remains uncertain,” he said, adding that the lack of clarity has prevented the federation from responding to international partners.

Sargsyan has repeatedly asked Armenia’s Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports for solutions, but said the problems remain unresolved.

The ministry recently sought clarification from Sargsyan after skier Mikayel Mikayelyan was fined at Italy’s Tour de Ski for covering the word “Azerbaijan” on his race suit with tape. In response, Sargsyan shared both the ministry’s inquiry and his reply, stating that “Armenian dignity needs no clarification.”