The federation praised Kofsha’s performance in a social media post, describing the result as another significant achievement for Albanian weightlifting.

“One lift set the platform alight, electrified Durrës and culminated in the eagle celebration. Strength, heart and red-and-black pride! Ertjan Kofsha lifts huge weights, raises the Albanian flag and gives the European Championships another unforgettable moment,” the federation said.

Kofsha’s medals further strengthen Albania’s presence on the international weightlifting stage, the federation added.

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Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxha appreciated Dudaev’s success and said it was a historic day for Albanian sports.

“Gold for Albania! Islam Dudaev wins the 74kg freestyle wrestling final at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, delivering the country’s first gold of the tournament. Historic day for Albanian sport!!”, wrote Gonxhja in the social media.

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Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) reported today that the red and black delegation was composed by 5 athletes while highlighting its achievements.

Athlete Dion Haxhiaj was declared European champion, winning the gold medal in the “Men’s Physique Junior” category (–20 years old).

Meanwhile, Edmond Met’hasani secured the silver medal in “Men’s Classic Bodybuilding” (–180 cm), and was ranked fourth in “Men’s Games Classic Bodybuilding” (–180 cm) and fifth in “Men’s Fit Bodybuilding” (+180 cm).

Bruno Nuho also achieved good results, ranking the fifth in “Men’s Classic Bodybuilding” (–171 cm) and sixth in “Men’s Fit Bodybuilding” (+170 cm).

This championship highlights the progress of Albanian fitness and the dedication of its athletes internationally.

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In addition to the gold medal, Calja also won the silver medal. In total, the Albanian weightlifter lifted 340 kg, only 1 kg less than the Russian Serobian.

Prime Minister Edi Rama congratulated the Albanian weightlifter, describing it as a “deserved success that promotes the Albanian flag high in the international arena”.

“A well-deserved triumph that raises the Albanian flag high in the international arena”, Rama wrote. /m.q/j.p/p.s./

Albania had its first ever world champion in IWF World Youth and Junior Championships.

The Head of State also congratulated her coach Eglantina Kalemi, for her dedicated and passionate work in training the athlete.

“Congratulations to Enkileda Çarja, who was declared the triple World Champion at the World Weightlifting Championships, broke 3 European records for young women, and managed to win the bronze medal for U20”, Begaj wrote in the social media.

Begaj expressed pride in Enkileda’s achievements and the dedicated work of her coach, Eglantina Kalemi.

Albania’s first champion, 17-year-old Enkileda Çarja. She not only won the 64kg Youth title, but took snatch bronze in the Juniors too. Çarja broke all three European youth records in making 98-115-213. /p.s./

Minister of Education and Sports Ogerta Manastirliu wrote in a post in the social media that, “In its debut in this prestigious competition, the Albanian Special Olympics Team has excelled with the performance of our athletes with special abilities, winning two gold medals: Elizon Kacanja in Alpine Skiing and Stela Salla in Cross Country Skiing; a Silver medal Elizon Kacanja in Giant Slalom and two bronze medals Joanis Myrtollaris in Alpine Skiing and Joel Gërmenji in Snowshoeing (50m)”.

“This is an extraordinary achievement of our special athletes”, said Manastirliu.

In this multi-sport event, Albania is being represented by 6 athletes with intellectual disabilities in 3 winter sports disciplines for the first time in the history of Albanian sports,. /k.s/j.p/p.s./

The 17-year-old from the city of Korça has won the maximum points in chemistry, mathematics and coding. Orges competed in this Olympiad along with 160 young people from all over the world.

Mayor of Korça Sotiraq Filo appreciated Orges Ibi in a post in the social media as an excellent example of extraordinary talent, born from his passion and commitment, as well as the opportunities offered by the Innovation Center of the Municipality of Korça.

“This is evidence that when investing in opportunities for the development of youth, there are achieved extraordinary successes that affect not only individuals, but also the development of society and its future,” wrote Mayor Filo.

The Innovation Center in Korça plays a key role in creating spaces where there can develop young talents, thus strengthening the ecosystem of knowledge and technology in the region. More than 40 young people from the city of Korça are trained every day at the Innovation Center in the fields of programming, coding and new sciences. /j.p/p.s./

He succeeded to lift 358 kg in total, 165 kg in snatching and 193 kg in jerk improving his personal record by 4 kg.

According to the Albanian Weightlifting Federation, “Kofsha has shown devotion and tireless work to achieve this level together with his coach Leonard Toska as well as support of the Weightlifting Federation and its President Elez Gjoza”.

“In this championship, Kofsha competed with some of the best weightlifters in the world, showing high strength and technique. This success is a great achievement not only for Kofsha, but also for Albanian sport in general, proving that with hard work and dedication, excellent results can be achieved in the international arena,” is read in the press release.

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At the Balkan Championship held in Romania, with the participation of about 460 practitioners, Ernest Merdanaj excelled in all 3 of his matches, first against an opponent from Serbia, then against an athlete from Turkey and in the final he defeated an athlete from Kosovo, being crowned with the title of Balkan Champion.

Based on the points accumulated and the high-level matches, Ernest Merdanaj was declared the best athlete of the event and coach Arjola Kasaj, the best Taekwondo coach of the Balkan Championship.

Ibrahim Hidri also performed very well and won the gold medal. /j.p/p.s./

The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) reported today that Merdanaj made an excellent performance at the G2 Dutch Open.

The Albanian champion has won a total of 6 matches in this tournament, while another 20 points have been added, which will be converted into qualifying points.

A few days ago, Merdanaj also won the gold medal in the Albanian Open G1. /r.e/p.s./