We are starting a new column “Personalities”, in which we will talk about people who had a great influence in the development of FC “Urartu”.

Zanazanyan and FC "Banants"

After the end of the 11th season of the Premier League of the Armenian Championship in 2002, the "Banants" and "Spartak" football clubs came together and began to perform under the general name “Banants”. Hovhannes Zanazanyan, who headed "Spartak" last season became the bronze medalist of the Championship, received the position of head coach of FC "Banants".

 

In the first year, the club managed to become a silver medalist. Brothers Ara and Aram Hakobyan shone in the Zanazanyan team, who scored 66 goals for two. With his unique game, Ara Hakobyan was especially striking, who, having scored 45 goals in 24 matches, was recognized not only as the top scorer of the Championship, but also the best player of the year.

Monument of Zanazanyan at the FC "Urartu" sport base

 

The first thing you can notice while visiting the sports base of FC “Urartu” is the football fields that exist next to each other. After a short walk through the territory, you can understand that these are not the only attractions of the club.

It’s already 3 years since the monument to the legendary captain of the «Ararat-73» team, Hovhannes Zanazanyan, has been standing on the territory of FC “Urartu”. In the summer of 2016, the grand opening of the monuments took place, which was attended by his team co-players, family members, guests and, of course, the management of FC «Urartu».

The author of the monument, sculptor Mher Mnatsakanyan during the work was inspired by various stories about Zanazanyan. “I often heard that he cheer up guys, provided fighting spirit, his contribution to the success of the team is indescribable,” said the young sculptor.

"The man who shared his football experience has done to young players. This monument is necessary for the new generation to be able to achieve better results”, - said Hrach Aghabekyan, General Director of FC “Urartu”.

 

As a player

 

Hovhannes Zanazanyan was born on December 10 in 1946 in Athens. He began his football career at FC «Spartak» Yerevan. In 1973, Zanazanyan became the champion of the USSR and the owner of the Cup of the country, and in 1975 - two-time winner of the Cup of the USSR.

 

Bronze medalist at the Munich Olympics in 1972. In 1971 and 1973 he was on the list of 33 best football players of the USSR. He was part of the USSR team and the Olympic team. He was awarded the Diploma of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR. As part of FC «Ararat», he played 243 games and scored 56 goals.

In 2013 he was awarded the medal "For Merit to the Fatherland" of the 1st degree of the Republic of Armenia.

Hovhannes Zanazanyan passed away on October 4 in 2015.