At the Gala Sportului 2024, Moldova celebrated its finest athletes, with Anastasia Nichita and Serghei Tarnovschi being crowned the Athletes of the Year. The event, organized by the Ministry of Education and Research, recognized remarkable achievements made by Moldovan sportspeople over the past year.
The gala took place against the backdrop of unprecedented success for Moldovan athletics. This year, the country saw its athletes win a record 731 medals across various competitions, including significant performances at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where they secured one silver and five bronze medals. "Each medal won by you contributes to promote the positive image of our country internationally. Each of you is an ambassador of our national values. You have shown the world Moldova is full of talent and potential," stated Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, during her address at the gala.
Minister of Education and Research Dan Perciun expressed similar sentiments, stating, "You have united us. You have made the hearts of Moldovans beat as one... This is the true power of sport: unity." This acknowledgment reflects the spirit and strength exhibited by athletes who represented their nation on international platforms.
This year’s gala was particularly special as it marked the continuation of Moldova’s athletic excellence. A total of 31 athletes qualified for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, showcasing the growing talent pool within the nation compared to 21 athletes who qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Games. Noteworthy performances included the historic bronze medals won by Denis Vieru and Adil Osmanov in judo, alongside Nichita's silver medal, emphasizing the significant strides taken by Moldovan athletes on the world stage.
Reflecting on her achievement, Anastasia Nichita shared her feelings of gratitude on social media, saying, "I feel honored and proud to maintain my status among the best!" This was her third consecutive title as "Best Athlete of the Year," highlighting her commitment and hard work. Her success has inspired many young athletes, illustrating the impact of perseverance and dedication.
This year also witnessed Moldova’s athletes making history at the Paralympic Games, where the nation secured its first-ever medals, with Ion Basoc earning silver and Oleg Crețul taking bronze. These milestones represent significant advancements for parasports within the country, marking a turning point for recognition and support.
The government of Moldova has been proactive, providing extensive financial support totaling 33 million lei (approximately 1.65 million euros) to athletes, coaches, and medical staff as acknowledgment of their contributions. Silver medalists were granted awards of 2.6 million lei, with bronze medalists receiving 2 million lei. This financial boost aims to encourage athletes and back the structures supporting them.
2024 wasn’t just about Olympic achievements; it also set records at various European and World competitions, surpassing 730 medals—a substantial increase from around 500 medals earned the previous year. Sporting events held within Moldova included the EURO Beach Soccer League and the European Rugby Championship, showcasing the country's capacity to host significant international tournaments.
With infrastructure improvements made through the European Village program, over 110 sporting facilities have either been built or renovated to cater to the growing interest and participation in sports. The Republican High School with a sports profile received considerable investments to modernize its services as part of the "Model School" program.
Looking forward, 2025 promises to be another exciting year for Moldova's sporting scene, with major events like the European Weightlifting Championship and European Judo Championship planned to take place. The Gala Sportului 2024 reaffirmed the role of sports as ambassadors for the Republic of Moldova on the international stage, demonstrating the country’s commitment to supporting performance at the highest level.
