Chess commentator, author and host of “Chess-64” TV program Gagik Hovhannisyan has passed away the other day.
Chess commentator, author and host of “Chess-64” TV program Gagik Hovhannisyan has passed away the other day. The First Channel decided to meet his coworkers, to speak about the man, who was strict in work, but cheerful in everyday life.
Vanik Zakaryan, FIDE Honorary Vice-President, mathematician
I have known Gagik Hovhannisyan since the 1960s. At the age of 16 he was already hosting Tigran Petrosyan- Mikhail Botvinnik match. For many years he was the Secretary General of the Chess Federation. Our work was interconnected, we communicated almost every day, participated in all the tournaments organized by FIDE, visited more than 40 countries. He devoted all his life to chess. “Chess-64” was one of the phenomenal programs in the world sports journalism, which was broadcast on Public Television for several decades uninterruptedly.
Naghash Martirosyan, Dean of YSU Faculty of Journalism
In 1984 I was admitted to Yerevan State University. Gagik Hovhannisyan gave lectures to our group for several years. Then he was the head of my diploma work. From 1992 the student-lecturer relations changed, I started lecturing, too. That time we communicated more frequently. In work he was extremely punctual, he was never late; he never kept students waiting. Though we were coworkers, I always accepted him as a teacher, as a great master of his work.
Melik Mayilyan, director of “Chess -64” TV program
In 1990 I came to the sports editorial office of the television. After 4 years I assumed the duties of the program director. I always persuaded to shoot the program beforehand, to have a rest on Sundays, but he did not agree. He made changes in the scenario up to the last moment, paid attention to every detail. The programs were televised without any interruption for decades.
Gabriel Sargsyan, Grandmaster, Champion of World Team Chess Championship
The first meeting with Gagik Hovhannisyan was at the age of 6, in 1989. My mother brought me to the Chess House, and there we accidentally met the master. He taught me the first rules of chess; thanks to him I fell in love with that sport and achieved notable successes. He participated in all tournaments together with us and also coordinated the work of the press. He had an exclusive ability of fast orientation, in a matter of seconds he managed to analyze the situation and to assess the chess players’ matches.
Lilit Mkrtchyan, Grandmaster, member of Armenian women’s team
I was a little girl, when I was involved in the team and got acquainted with Gagik Hovhannisyan. He was with us during every tournament, every our success made him happy and our losses made him upset. I had never met such a professional in journalistic work. He managed to present every failed performance in a positive way and to uniquely comment on every wrong step. He found something positive everywhere. It gave a hope to chess players and encouraged for the next competitions.
Ashot Vardapetyan, international referee
In the early 70s I was still a chess player, and met him during competitions. I recognized him better, when I was the Chairman of the Yerevan Federation. Together we participated in tournaments, competitions and championships conducted in Armenia and abroad. Gagik Hovhannisyan was known not only in Armenia, but also in the whole world. There are few people who have managed to write 54 books, to host a chess program for several decades and to release a newspaper. We heard from Armenian chess players throughout the world thanks to him. He was searching, finding information to present it to chess lovers.
Karen Giloyan, sports commentator
I personally got acquainted with Gagik Hovhannisyan in 1995, when I entered YSU. At first he seemed to be the strictest man. But while working with him I understood that he is quite a cheerful person. He was among the sports commentators, who had an exceptional perception of time. He just needed to be told – Mr. Hovhannisyan, you have got 45 seconds. And at the last second, without looking at the watch, he finished the live program from outgoing games. Like all professionals he liked working live. He maintained the retro style of the program, saying it adds flavor to the shots.
