Albania’s Ministry Hails Youth Basketball Breakthrough - EXCLUSIVE

Albania’s Ministry of Education and Sports has described the U‑16 girls’ national basketball team’s third‑place finish at the FIBA European Championship (Division C) in Kosovo as “a meaningful milestone” in the development of youth basketball across the country.

Deputy Minister of Sports of Albania, Mr. Endrit Hoxha, said in an exclusive interview with CE Report that the bronze medal reflects “the growing strength of youth sports in Albania” and the success of long-term grassroots programs such as the School Sports Teams initiative. Launched to boost gender inclusiveness in athletics, the scheme has already involved more than 11,000 students in basketball and volleyball.

“The result affirms that sustained investment at the grassroots level is yielding tangible returns,” he noted, citing close cooperation between public institutions, sports federations, and local communities.

To build on the momentum, Mr. Hoxha highlighted three priority areas:

Infrastructure and training access – new and upgraded facilities aimed at widening participation for girls in competitive sports;

Partnerships with the Albanian Basketball Federation – joint talent-development and coaching programs;

Fiscal incentives and institutional support – measures designed to strengthen elite clubs and local sports organizations.

While the ministry praised standout performers Antea Filopati and Anja Kasa for their decisive contributions during the tournament, it provided no specific details on potential state honors or recognition ceremonies.

Albania’s U‑16 girls defeated Malta 61‑57 in the bronze-medal game, capping a campaign that saw the “red-and-black” squad finish on the podium for the first time at this age level.

This interview was prepared by Daspina Hasanova