Armenia made its Paralympic debut at Atlanta 1996 with just two entries as Gagik Gasparian competed in the men's powerlifting event and a four-person team participated in the mixed crewboat event in sailing.

Armenia has participated in every Summer and Winter Paralympics since but Abrahamyan believes that the Government needs to invest far more money in order for the country to be competitive on the world stage.

"Though Armenia has participated in Paralympic Games since 1996, our Government does not pay enough attention to Paralympic sports," Abrahamyan said.

"We strive to equalise state awards for sportsmen and those with disabilities but it very hard in this current situation.

"We need more help if we are to be a serious challenger on the world stage."

No Armenian has ever won a medal although Mher Avanesyan holds the distinction of being one of few Paralympics athletes to have competed at both Summer and Winter Games.

He competed in alpine skiing at Nagano 1998, Salt Lake City 2002, Turin 2006 and Vancouver 2010, as well as sailing at Sydney 2000.

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