Khachanov says Armenian roots behind his support for KarabakhJanuary 23, 2023 - 12:14 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russian-Armenian tennis star, Karen Khachanov has explained his decision to write post-match messages in support of Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh) on cameras at the Australian Open. The player made it to the Australian Open Quarter Finals on Saturday, January 21 and once again wrote a message of solidarity on the Channel 9 camera. "Keep believing all the way until the end! Artsakh Stay Strong," he wrote. After the match, Khachanov said that he honors and appreciates his roots. "I am a citizen of Russia, I represent Russia, but on my father's and mother's side I have Armenian blood. I wanted to somehow support and give them faith and strength," the player said. Since December 12, the sole road connecting Nagorno Karabakh to Armenia - the Lachin Corridor - has been blocked by self-described Azerbaijani environmentalists. Karabakh residents have reported food and fuel shortages, while hospital patients don't have access to essential medicines, with only a handful allowed transfer to facilities in Armenia proper. Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |