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Walter AtanesyanArmenian boxer, trainer, master of sports
Date of Birth: 06.06.1938
Country:  Armenia |
Content:
Family Origins and Early Life
Walter Atanesyan's ancestors were Armenian immigrants from Persia, who settled in the Meghri district of the Russian Empire after the Russo-Persian War of 1826-1828. During the collectivization and "dekulakization" period, the Atanesyan family was exiled to Central Asia. Some of them eventually settled in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, where their descendants still reside.
Atanesyan's parents were Mkrtych and Arshaлуйis, who lived in Yerevan. Mkrtych was an agronomist and accomplished viticulturist, while Arshaлуйis was a teacher. They had three children, including Walter, who was born on June 6, 1938.
Boxing Career
Atanesyan's love for boxing began at the age of 13. Despite his parents' initial disapproval, he secretly started attending boxing classes. By the age of 16, he was regularly participating in competitions at the city and republic levels.
In 1957, Atanesyan enrolled in the Yerevan Institute of Physical Culture. Two years later, he transferred to the renowned Central Lenin Order Institute of Physical Culture in Moscow, where he specialized in boxing under the tutelage of Vasily Romanov.
From 1959 to 1962, Atanesyan won the Armenian SSR Championship and became a member of the republic's boxing team. He participated in USSR championships and competitions, meeting the requirements for the title of Master of Sports.
Coaching Legacy
Beginning in 1961, Atanesyan embarked on a successful coaching career. He worked at the Sports School for Young Boxers under the Armenian SSR Ministry of Education and later became its head coach. In the mid-1960s, he was appointed coach of the Armenian SSR adult boxing team.
Atanesyan's students achieved remarkable success, competing in USSR, European, world championships, and the Olympic Games. Many of them became prominent figures in Armenian society, including politicians, businessmen, and sports administrators.
Atanesyan retired in 1990 but remained an influential figure in the Armenian boxing community. In his honor, an annual city boxing tournament is held in Yerevan.
Personal Life
Walter Atanesyan married Maya Musatova in Moscow in 1961. They had two children: Tigran and Asya. Tigran became a veteran of the Karabakh War, while Asya is a physical education teacher.
Honors and Recognition
Atanesyan received the title of Honored Coach of the Armenian SSR in 1969. He was a recipient of numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. In 2008, a city boxing tournament was established in his memory in Yerevan.
