Levon Aronian Rules Out Return to Armenia Team
Levon Aronian has stated he won't return to Armenia's national chess team.
He made this statement during the Liferoom program, citing poor treatment and lack of support.
Aronian described his decision to compete under the US flag as one of the most difficult choices of his life.
He said the attitude toward chess in Armenia has cooled, and it's no longer viewed as a national interest.
The grandmaster explained that if he had allowed himself to be treated like an ordinary athlete, he would have put the entire field at risk.
Aronian said he's proud that he didn't accept lucrative offers before moving to the US in 2021.
He explained the move by citing "incompetent state officials who had entered the chess sphere" and the termination of state support for chess players.
As a three-time Chess Olympiad champion with the Armenian squad, Aronian's decision has significant implications.
Aronian stated that he does not see a possibility of returning to the national team, comparing the situation to "Santa Barbara."
He said he has already proven everything he could to himself and his friends, and his goal has been to be useful to the Armenian people.
Aronian has always considered himself Armenian, and he wants to change perceptions of Armenia as a weak nation, saying "we are strong."
He made these remarks on June 12, 2026, during the Liferoom program, as reported by **PanARMENIAN.Net** and Sputnik Armenia.
Aronian's decision to switch to the US team has been a significant development in the chess world, with many fans and experts watching his progress.
The grandmaster's comments have sparked a lot of discussion, with some supporting his decision and others criticizing it.
Aronian's career has been marked by many achievements, including his three Chess Olympiad championships with Armenia.
He has been one of the leaders of Armenia's national chess team and has been a key player in the country's chess scene.
Aronian's move to the US has been seen as a significant loss for Armenia's chess team, but he has stated that he is happy with his decision.
The grandmaster has said that he is focused on his future and is looking forward to competing under the US flag.
Aronian's decision has also sparked a lot of interest in the US chess scene, with many fans and experts eager to see how he will perform.
The grandmaster's comments have been widely reported, with many outlets covering his statement on June 12, 2026.
Aronian's career has been marked by many ups and downs, but he has always been known for his skill and dedication to the sport.
He has been a role model for many young chess players, and his decision to switch to the US team has been seen as a significant development in the chess world.