Statuary of Ararat-73 football team is unveiled

The unveiling ceremony of the statuary, dedicated to the team of FC Ararat of 1973, took place today next to Hrazdan Staduim and was attended by almost all members of the team.

People of different age groups came to the event, held in an entertaining and warm atmosphere. Some guests saw the victories of Ararat with their own eyes, and others heard various stories about the legendary team.

The statuary was installed by the sponsorship of Gagik Tsarukyan, President of the National Olympic Committee of Armenia. The architect is Tigran Barseghyan, and the head of the team of sculptors is Armen Samvelyan.

“The victories of Ararat are a part of our history, and a reason of great pride. They inspired an entire generation. You are our heroes, and young people should take example from you,” Mr. Tsarukyan said at the ceremony.

The day for unveiling was chosen by no accident. It was on October 10, 1973, that Ararat won the USSR Cup.

Levon Ishtoyan

I have very good impressions. I’m grateful for this statuary. Young people will see it and want to be champions too, have great achievements and make people happy. The victories of Ararat-73 aren’t just ours, they belong to everyone.

Norayr Mesropyan

This statue kind of immortalized Ararat, and I am happy that the unveiling ceremony took place on this day. I’m grateful to all who came to this event. The statue is very beautiful. I recognized my friends and myself at once. It is on the way to FC Pyunik, and the players will see the statuary and want to be like us. I wish they will play better and take part in European or World championships.

Nazar Petrosyan

I cannot find words. I recalled so much in these moments. I felt sadness and pain, because many of our teammates are gone. It’s been so many years, but our nations still remembers and cherishes Ararat-73. I am grateful to everyone.

Sergey Bondarenko

I am proud that I played in this legendary team. It is wonderful to feel appreciated. I am very grateful to Armenian people, who shared our joy for all these years, stood by our side and encouraged us.

Khoren Hovhannisyan

I was lucky to play with Ararat-73. It was a brilliant team indeed. I am sincerely grateful for this day. It’s good that people remember. We cannot move forward and be successful if we don’t know and remember our past. I wish that one day our national team will be as successful as Ararat-73.