Sarkis SARKHOJAN a mainstay of Soviet Union success passes away

Sarkis SARKHOJAN a mainstay of Soviet Union table tennis success passes away

An international career spanning almost two decades representing the Soviet Union enjoying success at both World and European Championships Sarkis Sarkhojan passed away on Sunday 24 January.

He was 73 years old.

Born on Wednesday 26 November 1947 in Batumi a port city in Georgia located on the Black Sea near the Turkish border Sarkis SARKHOJAN was a left handed attacking top spin player who first came to international attention at the 1965 European Youth Championships in Prague. He won the junior boys’ team title lining up alongside Aleta FROG Stanislav GOMOZKOV and Gegam VARDANJAN before later in the tournament losing to Vardanjan in the junior boys’ singles final.

Following success at youth level for the next decade and more he enjoyed success at the senior level.

At the 1966 European Championships in London alongside Anatoli AMELIN Stanislav GOMOZKOV Gennadi AVERIN and Gennadi STRENLIKOV he secured men’s team silver. He repeated the feat two years later in Lyon when Uldis EGLITIS and Gegam VARDANJAN replaced AVERIN and STRENLIKOV.

He won bronze at the European Championships in 1970 in Moscow making it three successful Championships in a row. Alas there was no such success in 1972 in Rotterdam but for the next three editions of the prestigious tournament podium places were reserved.

On duty in 1974 in Novi Sad he partnered Stanislav GOMOZKOV to win men’s doubles bronze. In 1976 in Prague lining up alongside Stanislav GOMOZKOV Bagrat BURNAZIAN and Anatoli STROKATOV he won the same colour medal in the men’s team competition. The run of success continued in 1978 in Duisburg when arguably he enjoyed the most successful European Championships of his career. Two bronze medals were secured in the men’s team with Anatoli STROKATOV and Valery SCHEVCHENKO and in the mixed doubles in partnership with Anita ZAKHARIAN.

Meanwhile commencing in 1974 he competed in four consecutive Europe Top 12 tournaments his best finish being fifth place in Lübeck in 1976.

On the wider scene he was in action at five World Championships his first being 1967 in Stockholm his swansong 1977 in Birmingham his finest moment undoubtedly in 1975 in Calcutta when the was the mixed doubles runner up partnering Elmira Antonian. In an all Soviet Union final the duo experienced defeat at the hands of Stanislav GOMOZKOV and Tatiana FERDMAN.

Domestically between 1963 and 1983 he participated in the national championships each year on a total of 21 occasions. He won a total of 26 titles five men’s singles 12 men’s doubles nine mixed doubles.

Most notably he ascended to the no.7 spot on the December 1973 world rankings.

A record of remarkable consistency Sarkis SARKHOJAN rest in peace.

Related News

33rd Finlandia Open – Everything You Need to Know

The traditional Finlandia Open returns this year, welcoming over 160 players from 27 countries to the enchanting home of Father Christmas. Hosted at the Kisakallio Sports Institute, just an hour’s...

Read more

ETTU Announces Key Updates and Initiatives

The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) has unveiled significant updates following decisions made at the 2024 Congress. From ranking system changes to new hosting opportunities and support for female coaches,...

Read more

ETTU JOB OPENINGS: PART-TIME FINANCIAL MANAGER (20H/WEEK)

Location: Luxembourg Position Overview: ETTU is looking for a skilled Financial Operations Manager to handle daily financial tasks, including accountancy, budget management, and liaising with auditors. Based in Luxembourg, this...

Read more

ETTU JOB OPENINGS: MARKETING ASSISTANT (30H/WEEK)

Location: Remote + travel and work on-site at various events. Position Overview: ETTU is looking for a Marketing Assistant to ensure that all marketing activities, particularly at events, are implemented...

Read more

Contact

About Us

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) is the governing body of the sport of table tennis in Europe, and is the only authority recognized for this purpose by the International Table Tennis Federation. The ETTU deals with all matters relating to table tennis at a European level, including the development and promotion of the sport in the territories controlled by its 58 member associations, and the organization of continental table tennis competitions, including the European Championships.

Powered By

All Competitions

Senior Competitions

Club Competitions

Youth Competitions

More Competitions