Aronian misses Armenian chess players and says the state must make significant investments for them: Levon Aronian’s exclusive interview with ABC media
Victory in tournaments is the pinnacle of my work. But losses are also important to me — they teach me to think more deeply about my mistakes and to correct them, Armenian grandmaster Levon Aronian said in an exclusive interview with ABC media, shortly after winning the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam on July 21.
“This year, I haven’t had much success. I am very happy that I managed to win this big tournament. I will have opportunities to win in larger tournaments in September and October-November. At the end of October or early November, the World Cup will be held in India. It’s a chance to qualify for the Candidates Tournament. I am preparing, and together with my assistants, we are working out how to be fully prepared,” Aronian said.
One of the most important fans of the grandmaster is his mother, who has devoted her entire life to supporting her son’s development. She says she has been watching his games daily since he was nine, feeling excitement and concern over his victories and defeats. For Aronian, his wife and daughter are also sources of inspiration.
“I play most for them, to repay their efforts and to dedicate myself to my nation,” Aronian said.
Referring to the 2021 “diagnosis” by experts from the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, claiming he no longer has “potential,” the question was whether his recent victory proved otherwise. Aronian responded that he has nothing to prove to anyone because he is not resentful toward his compatriots.
“I feel only one duty — toward my nation and my fans. If I stayed in Armenia and didn’t play chess, I wouldn’t want to be such a compatriot. In my view, one should serve his calling, and leaving the country was also a service to that calling. I am happy to continue my game,” Aronian stated.
Since the change of power, leaving Armenia does not mean he has lost his connection to the country.
“Henrikh Mkhitaryan and I are actively involved in efforts for Armenia from abroad. The government decides its course; we think those steps are wrong, they think they are right — but only history will give the final answer. For me, what really matters is that Henrikh and I fight for our nation and support our country—whether from outside or inside, it’s a question of opportunities,” the Armenian grandmaster said.
Addressing the split within the chess community in Armenia, Aronian said that a time will come when reconciliation and reunification will be possible.
“I have been thinking about that, and I believe that if you want to make a change in your field, you should and can do it even outside the borders of the country. Now I want to find ways to help through foundations,” he added.
Aronian maintains contact with the chess players in Armenia and says one of the most important aspects of victories is inspiring them. He wants to give Armenian chess players the opportunity to compete on international platforms. To elevate chess in Armenia to a new national level, the state needs to make serious investments, Aronian believes.
“In the field of chess, it’s impossible to compete against powerful countries like India, the U.S., or China without significant financial support. That’s especially important for young chess players. Investments should be right and timely. I think those issues should be addressed by the strongest chess players in the country. At the moment, it doesn’t seem to be happening. I hope that will change,” Aronian said.
For Aronian, there’s no difference whether he prepares for tournaments under the Armenian flag or the American one. It’s a great responsibility, and he puts effort into it. But one thing has changed — he misses Armenian chess players and working with them.
“Since changing the flag, I’ve lost some things. Taking part in tournaments with our guys has always been a pleasure for me. It’s also a pleasure to play with the U.S. team, but the U.S. team is so strong that my presence doesn’t make much difference. However, for Armenia, my presence made a difference,” Aronian noted.
According to Aronian, he will not return to Armenia as a chess player, but he will try to introduce the Armenian nation to the world on higher stages.
