How the historic game of “Ararat 73” was broadcast on the radio for the first time, and by whom? (video)

The historic game of the “Ararat 73” was originally going to be broadcast on central television from Moscow. The leaders of the State Television and Radio Committee of Armenia decided that it did not make sense to broadcast the game on Armenian television or radio.

Everyone was preparing to go to Moscow for the final match of the USSR Cup. In the book, Suren Baghdasaryan tells how he was able to go to Moscow at the last minute and prepare reports about training even before the game. “The result was a score draw, so it went to extra time. It coincided with “Время”. No one could change the time. The time of the last news of our Armenian radio also coincided. But people were excited, “Arara” did it, the game should be continued. They said we will continue by the radio”.

In the 89th minute, “Ararat” scored, and it was a draw. Levon Ishtoyan's goal moved the game to extra time. The important moments of the fateful and historic game were to be shown on video after “Время”, but Armenia learned about the last and winning goal on the radio with the commentary of Suren Baghdasaryan. “I am the lucky person, they heard that greatest victory from my lips and went out to the streets. Arkady Andreasyan came and said, I imagine if I were in Yerevan. We also dreamed of being in Yerevan, to see what was happening.

Years later, while writing the book “Ararat 73”, Suren Baghdasaryan talked with the football players again, as he did 50 years ago while preparing the victory report. After half a century, “Ararat” players were asked if there were more exciting football moments after the historic game. Looking back, Suren Baghdasaryan confidently says that neither he, as a sports commentator, nor “Ararat 73” football players, has ever had a more dramatic, exciting and victorious game.