In the heart of Yerevan, at the Chess Academy of Armenia, a pivotal meeting convened, drawing together the minds and spirits that shape the future of chess in the nation. Under the auspices of the Armenian Chess Federation, key figures including the Third Armenian President and President of the Armenian Chess Federation, Serzh Sargsyan, alongside Vice-President Smbat Lputian, Executive Director Armen Gevorgyan, and the chairs of regional federations, gathered to deliberate on the strategic direction for chess development. This assembly wasn't just another meeting; it was a beacon of hope and ambition for chess enthusiasts across Armenia and beyond.

The conference underscored a collective resolve to foster chess from grassroots to grandmaster levels. Highlighting the meeting was a comprehensive discussion on nurturing young talent and bolstering chess infrastructure across Armenia. The significance of such an initiative cannot be understated in a country where chess is not merely a game but a celebrated aspect of cultural heritage and intellectual prowess. The federation's commitment to enhancing the quality of chess education and increasing accessibility for young aspirants signals a promising horizon for the sport in Armenia.

Central to the discussions were the roles of regional federations in the chess ecosystem. These entities are pivotal in identifying and nurturing talent at the local level, serving as the foundation upon which the national structure rests. The conference provided a platform for these regional leaders to voice their insights, challenges, and aspirations, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at strengthening the sport's regional footprint. This approach ensures that the development of chess in Armenia is not confined to urban centers but is a nationwide endeavor.

Beyond the competitive aspect, the Armenian Chess Federation seeks to imbue a deeper appreciation for chess across all segments of society. By promoting chess as a tool for cognitive development and a means of cultural _expression_, the federation aims to elevate the sport to new heights. This holistic approach to chess development, emphasizing both competitive success and societal impact, is indicative of the federation's vision for the future of chess in Armenia.

The conference at the Chess Academy of Armenia was more than just a meeting of minds; it was a testament to the enduring spirit of chess in the nation. With a clear strategy and a unified front, the Armenian Chess Federation is poised to usher in a golden era for chess in Armenia, enriching the lives of countless individuals and securing the game's legacy for generations to come.

Amidst Russia's ongoing suspension from international football tournaments, the Armenian national team has identified an opportunity to bolster its squad with talents like Krasnodar midfielder Eduard Spertsyan and Lokomotiv defender Nair Tiknizyan. Roman Berezovsky, the goalkeepers coach for the Armenian squad, recently highlighted the potential benefits for both the players and the national team, considering the current landscape of international football.

With Russia's football teams sidelined from international play, Armenian coach Berezovsky sees a silver lining. By integrating players of Armenian descent who are currently underutilized due to the ban, the national team could see significant improvements. Berezovsky particularly praised Spertsyan and Tiknizyan, noting their potential to elevate the team's performance. This strategy not only aids the national team but also offers the players a chance to showcase their talents on a larger stage, possibly attracting attention from European clubs.

For players like Spertsyan and Tiknizyan, joining the Armenian national team could be a watershed moment in their careers. With Russia's exclusion from international competitions, opportunities to play at a high level are scarce. Berezovsky emphasized the brevity of football careers and the importance of seizing such opportunities. This move could serve as a springboard for the players, potentially leading to contracts with European clubs and enhancing their professional trajectory.

While the inclusion of Spertsyan and Tiknizyan in the Armenian national team seems promising, it also presents logistical and regulatory challenges. Negotiations, eligibility criteria, and adaptation to a new team dynamic are hurdles that need careful navigation. However, the potential benefits for both the players and Armenia's national football program make these challenges worth tackling. As the team anticipates the integration of these talents, the broader implications for Armenia's international football standings loom large, signaling a possible shift in the team's competitive edge.

The Armenian national team's strategic move to incorporate players affected by Russia's international suspension underscores a nimble approach to team building and talent development. For Spertsyan and Tiknizyan, this could mark the beginning of a new chapter in their careers, one that carries the hopes of a nation eager to make its mark on the international football stage.

https://bnnbreaking.com/sports/armenian-national-team-eyes-krasnodars-spertsyan-lokomotivs-tiknizyan-amid-russias-ban

In an electrifying match of the Armenian Premier League's 22nd round, Alashkert Football Club showcased their dominance with a commanding 6-0 win against BKMA. The game, marked by exceptional performances from Haitian forward Jonel Desire and Brazilian forward Gustavo Martini, who netted two goals each, has stirred the league standings and highlighted the competitive spirit within Armenia's top football league.

The match's outcome was significantly influenced by the prowess of Alashkert's forwards. Jonel Desire opened the scoring spree with two consecutive goals in the first half, setting a robust foundation for Alashkert's victory. Gustavo Martini followed suit with another pair of goals in the second half, leaving BKMA's defense struggling to regain composure. An unfortunate auto-goal by BKMA defender Norayr Nikoghosyan further widened the scoring gap, and Portuguese forward Agdon Menezes sealed the victory with a late goal. This collective effort not only exemplifies the team's offensive strength but also positions Alashkert as a formidable competitor in the league.

This remarkable victory has propelled Alashkert to the fourth position in the league standings, now tied in points with the reigning champions and cup winner, Urartu. However, it's worth noting that Urartu holds a game in hand, which could potentially alter the standings once played. On the other end, BKMA finds itself in the seventh spot, facing an uphill battle to climb the league table. The match's outcome not only reflects the individual and collective talents within Alashkert but also underscores the significance of every game in the tightly contested Armenian Premier League.

As the league progresses, the focus now shifts to how teams will adjust their strategies and line-ups in response to the current standings. Alashkert's resounding victory serves as a testament to their potential and ambition in the ongoing season. Meanwhile, for BKMA, the defeat poses a challenge to regroup and strategize for the remainder of the league. The Armenian Premier League continues to captivate football fans with its unpredictability and high level of competition, promising more thrilling matches ahead.

The recent clash between Alashkert and BKMA, highlighted by standout performances and significant implications for the league table, has undoubtedly set the stage for an intense finish to the season. With teams vying for supremacy in Armenia's top football competition, the coming weeks are poised to deliver more action-packed encounters and potential shifts in the league hierarchy.

https://bnnbreaking.com/sports/alashkerts-striking-6-0-victory-over-bkma-desire-and-martini-shine-in-armenian-premier-league

The Ararat-Eskijian Museum Research Center (AEMRC) and the Armenian Genocide Research Program (AGRP) at UCLA are embarking on an ambitious project to preserve and digitize the extensive archive of Professor Vahakn N. Dadrian, a seminal figure in Armenian Genocide studies. This initiative aims to make Dadrian's invaluable collection of documents, books, and unpublished manuscripts accessible to researchers and the public worldwide.

With a collection that spans over 110,000 pages, including materials in various languages from archives around the globe, the project faced a monumental task. By 2018, approximately 28,000 pages were digitized, a process significantly accelerated by a generous grant received in 2023. Housed at the University of Southern California's Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library, the collection has been accessible by appointment. Efforts are now focused on enhancing digital accessibility, spearheaded by Professor Taner Akçam and Dr. Anna Aleksanyan, a postgraduate student actively involved in the digitization process.

The project's goal extends beyond preservation; it aims to facilitate research and education on the Armenian Genocide. By making the collection searchable through keywords, researchers worldwide will gain unprecedented access to primary sources and analyses. The completion of the digitization project, anticipated by December 2025, promises to transform the field of genocide studies, offering new insights into the Armenian Genocide's origins, execution, and aftermath.

The Vahakn N. Dadrian Archive Project not only honors the legacy of a pioneering scholar but also ensures that future generations have the resources to study the Armenian Genocide in depth. The AGRP's upcoming webinar this spring will offer further details on the project, marking an important step in genocide education and research. The Ararat-Eskijian Museum, founded by genocide survivor Luther Eskijian, continues its mission as a cultural and educational center, with the Dadrian Archive Project serving as a testament to the enduring importance of documenting and understanding history.