Moldova doubles funding for youth athletes - EXCLUSIVE

The Ministry of Education and Research of Moldova has outlined a series of measures aimed at enhancing youth athlete development and rewarding performance.

This was said by the source in the Ministry of Education and Research of Moldova in an exclusive interview with CE Report.

According to the source, starting in 2026, the Ministry will double financial allocations for awards granted to top-performing athletes. The move is part of a broader policy designed to motivate young talents and recognize outstanding achievements across youth categories.

In parallel, the monthly financial support program has been expanded to include athletes under the age of 15 (U15). This extension is expected to encourage long-term engagement of young athletes in organized sports and provide consistent support from an earlier stage in their development.

The source further explained that national sports federations are financed from the state budget based on clearly defined performance criteria. These include specific indicators that prioritize funding for youth athletes, particularly within the U13–U15 age groups.

“These measures are aligned with the national strategy ‘Sport 2030’ and the provisions of Law No. 110/2025 on Physical Education and Sport,” the source noted, highlighting Article 9, which mandates the Ministry to develop and implement policies supporting talent identification, training, and athletic performance.

On the implementation side, the Ministry is responsible for policy development, while national sports federations act as the primary executors of these programs. In cooperation with the National Olympic and Sports Committee and the National Antidoping Agency, authorities are working to promote youth participation in Olympic disciplines such as judo.

The source emphasized that national competitions, international cooperation agreements, and partnerships focused on training, education, and ethics in sport remain key pillars in advancing youth development.

Overall, the initiative reflects a long-term commitment by the Moldovan authorities to build a sustainable sports system and support the next generation of athletes.

This interview was prepared by Laura Hoffman