The International Handball Federation and the whole handball family mourn the death of Levon Akopyan who has passed away at the age of 73. Akopyan was one of the most famous and respected handball professionals in Russian handball.

For over 45 years he coached numerous players for the Russian women’s national team at different levels and the Volgograd and Tolyatti club teams. 

At the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in his role as Assistant Coach to Evgeny Trefilov, Akopyan helped guide the Russian women’s team to gold, and was head coach of Russia when they won the 2003 IHF Women’s Junior World Championship in FYR Macedonia. 

In addition to his national team roles, he also won numerous club titles including the Russian championship, EHF Challenge Cup, Super Cup and EHF Cup.

“We greatly mourn his untimely demise,” said Handball Federation of Russia General Director Lev Voronin. “Levon Akopyan will always remain in our hearts and memories – may he rest in peace.” Over the next week, games in Russia will observe a minute's silence in memory of Akopyan.

President Dr Hassan Moustafa leads the IHF in offering his sincerest and deepest condolences to the family and friends of Levon Akopyan, as well as the Handball Federation of Russia, and the many officials, players and referees who had the pleasure of knowing him.