Language/Armenian/Culture/Armenian-Footballers-and-Basketball-Players

Armenian → Culture → 0 to A1 Course → Armenians in Sports and Movies → Armenian Footballers and Basketball Players

Introduction

Welcome to the lesson on Armenian footballers and basketball players! In this lesson, we will explore the contributions and achievements of Armenian athletes in the world of sports. Sports play a significant role in Armenian culture, and many Armenians have made their mark in various sports, including football and basketball. We will delve into the lives and careers of some notable Armenian footballers and basketball players, learning about their successes, challenges, and the impact they have had on their respective sports. By the end of this lesson, you will have a deeper understanding of the Armenian presence in the world of sports and gain insights into the importance of sports in Armenian culture.

Armenian Footballers

Armenian footballers have been making waves in the international football scene, showcasing their skills and representing Armenia with pride. Let's take a look at some of the most prominent Armenian footballers who have left a lasting impact on the sport.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

One of the most recognizable names in Armenian football is Henrikh Mkhitaryan. Born on January 21, 1989, in Yerevan, Mkhitaryan has had a remarkable career both at the club level and with the Armenian national team. He began his professional career with Pyunik FC in Armenia before moving to Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine. Mkhitaryan's exceptional performances caught the attention of several top European clubs, leading to his transfer to Borussia Dortmund in 2013.

During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Mkhitaryan established himself as one of the most talented attacking midfielders in Europe. His incredible vision, technical abilities, and goal-scoring prowess earned him several individual accolades, including the Armenian Footballer of the Year award multiple times. Mkhitaryan later joined Manchester United in 2016 and has since played for various clubs, including Arsenal and AS Roma.

Artur Sarkisov

Artur Sarkisov is another notable Armenian footballer who has made significant contributions to the sport. Born on September 22, 1988, in Yerevan, Sarkisov has had a successful career playing as a forward for both club and country. He started his professional career with Pyunik FC in Armenia before moving to various clubs in Russia.

Sarkisov's speed, agility, and goal-scoring abilities have made him a valuable asset on the field. He has represented the Armenian national team in numerous international competitions, contributing to Armenia's footballing success.

Yura Movsisyan

Yura Movsisyan is a name that resonates with Armenian football enthusiasts. Born on August 2, 1987, in Baku, Azerbaijan, Movsisyan moved to the United States at a young age and eventually became a citizen. He began his professional career in the United States with the Kansas City Wizards (now known as Sporting Kansas City) before joining Randers FC in Denmark.

Movsisyan's talent and goal-scoring abilities caught the attention of several European clubs, leading to his transfer to FC Krasnodar in Russia. He later played for various clubs, including Real Salt Lake in the United States and FC Astana in Kazakhstan. Movsisyan has represented Armenia at the international level and remains an important figure in Armenian football.

Armenian Basketball Players

While football may be the most popular sport in Armenia, basketball also holds a special place in the hearts of many Armenians. Armenian basketball players have made significant strides in the sport, showcasing their skills on both national and international stages. Let's explore some of the notable Armenian basketball players and their achievements.

Armen Gilliam

Armen Gilliam, born on May 28, 1964, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was of Armenian descent and had a successful career in professional basketball. He played college basketball for the UNLV Runnin' Rebels before being selected as the second overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns.

Gilliam's impressive skills as a power forward earned him recognition in the NBA, where he played for several teams, including the Phoenix Suns, Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, and New Jersey Nets. He was known for his scoring ability, rebounding skills, and physical presence on the court.

Zareh Zargaryan

Zareh Zargaryan, born on September 8, 1988, in Yerevan, is an Armenian professional basketball player who has represented Armenia at the international level. He has had a successful career playing as a shooting guard and small forward for various European clubs, including BC Yerevan and BC Armia.

Zargaryan's dedication, skill, and passion for the sport have made him a respected figure in Armenian basketball. He continues to inspire young Armenian basketball players and contribute to the growth of the sport in Armenia.

Hovhannes Marsuadian

Hovhannes Marsuadian, born on February 3, 1984, in Yerevan, is another prominent Armenian basketball player. He has played as a point guard for various European clubs, including BC Ararat Yerevan and BC Armia.

Marsuadian's court vision, leadership skills, and ability to control the game have made him a valuable asset to his teams. He has represented Armenia in international competitions, contributing to the development and recognition of Armenian basketball.

Cultural Significance

The success and achievements of Armenian footballers and basketball players hold immense cultural significance in Armenia. Sports, especially football and basketball, play a crucial role in bringing communities together and fostering a sense of national pride. Armenian athletes who excel in these sports become symbols of inspiration and hope for aspiring young athletes in Armenia.

Armenian football and basketball players not only represent their clubs and national teams but also carry the weight of the Armenian diaspora. Their achievements on the global stage serve as a source of unity and pride for Armenians around the world, reinforcing their cultural identity and sense of belonging.

Sports also provide a platform for cultural exchange and understanding. Armenian athletes competing in international leagues and tournaments help raise awareness about Armenian culture and traditions. They become ambassadors of Armenian heritage, showcasing the country's rich history and talent on a global scale.

Exercises

Now that we have learned about some notable Armenian footballers and basketball players, let's test our knowledge with a few exercises.

Exercise 1: Match the Footballer Match the Armenian footballer with their respective club or national team.

Armenian Footballer	Club/National Team
Henrikh Mkhitaryan	a. Borussia Dortmund
Artur Sarkisov	b. Manchester United
Yura Movsisyan	c. FC Krasnodar

Solution: 1. Henrikh Mkhitaryan - a. Borussia Dortmund 2. Artur Sarkisov - c. FC Krasnodar 3. Yura Movsisyan - b. Manchester United

Exercise 2: Fill in the Blank Fill in the blanks with the correct information about the Armenian basketball players.

1. Armen Gilliam was born on ________. 2. Zareh Zargaryan is known for playing as a ________. 3. Hovhannes Marsuadian has represented Armenia as a ________.

Solution: 1. Armen Gilliam was born on May 28, 1964. 2. Zareh Zargaryan is known for playing as a shooting guard and small forward. 3. Hovhannes Marsuadian has represented Armenia as a point guard.

Conclusion

Armenian footballers and basketball players have made significant contributions to their respective sports, leaving a lasting impact on the international stage. Their achievements not only inspire young athletes in Armenia but also promote Armenian culture and heritage worldwide. By learning about the successes and challenges of these athletes, we gain a deeper appreciation for the role of sports in Armenian culture and the power of determination and talent. Keep exploring the world of Armenian sports and continue to be inspired by the incredible athletes who proudly represent Armenia.

Table of Contents - Armenian Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Basic Greetings
• Introducing Yourself

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Alphabet and Pronunciation

• Armenian Alphabet
• Pronunciation Rules

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-20
• Telling Time

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Basic Sentence Structure

• Subject-Verb-Object
• Yes/No Questions

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

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Nouns and Pronouns

• Noun Gender and Plurals
• Personal Pronouns

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Food and Dining

• Common Foods
• Eating Out

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Descriptive Adjectives
• Adverbs of Time, Manner, and Place

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Armenian Traditions and Customs

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Traditional Music and Dance

Other Lessons

• Armenians in Diaspora
• Armenian National Instruments
• Modern Armenian Literature
• Wrestling and Weightlifting
• Armenian Alphabet
• Armenian Holidays and Festivals
• Traditional Armenian Dances
• Chess and Chess Players
• Armenian Ceramics and Pottery
• Armenian Cinema