Armenian skier Mikayel Mikayelyan was fined at Italy’s Tour de Ski for covering the word “Azerbaijan” on his competition uniform with tape. Speaking to RFE/RL, he said he received the outfit about two hours before the start and immediately decided not to wear a rival country’s name on his chest.

“I covered it and went to the start. For me, my dignity and my homeland come first,” he stated.

Although jury members acknowledged his reasoning, they reminded him that under International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) rules, all sponsors must remain visible. Azerbaijan signed a five-year sponsorship deal with FIS in 2023, allowing its name to appear on banners, flags, and athletes’ uniforms.

This means Armenian athletes may face similar situations again. “We have around 20 competitions per year, and sponsors, including the ‘Azerbaijan’ inscription, remain consistent. The jury asked me not to repeat it, but I said I couldn’t make that promise,” Mikayelyan explained.

He added that while he understands the principle of separating sports from politics, he believes an athlete should wear their nation’s name proudly. “A country hostile to my homeland cannot be considered politically neutral, and I won’t compete without covering its name. I hope for peace, but until then, I will keep taping it over,” he said.

The Armenian Ski Federation has supported his decision. Federation President Gagik Sargsyan said in a video message they are ready to pay the fine, but its exact amount is still unknown. “Once we know the fine, I’ll share it with the public since there’s great interest,” he added.

Sargsyan also recalled that Azerbaijani shelling hit Jermuk’s ski trails in 2022. “The first shells exploded right on Jermuk’s ski slopes,” he said, adding that when Azerbaijan’s FIS membership was being discussed, he raised security concerns, which were ignored.

Azerbaijan secured the necessary votes and now hosts World Cup events despite lacking a strong skiing tradition. Meanwhile, Armenia’s skiers continue to be overlooked by the state, Sargsyan said, despite achieving Olympic qualification scores. “We’ve begged our ministry for funding to attend at least one event leading to Milan 2026, and received nothing,” he added.

The Armenian Education, Science, Culture and Sports Ministry has remained silent about the incident.

Mikayelyan concluded, “I take full responsibility for my actions and fine. But if anyone wants to share the burden, I ask only one thing: support the development of skiing in Ashotsk.”