SPORT

Tirana hosts the European Wrestling Championship in June

Tirana hosts the European Wrestling Championship in June

In June, Tirana will welcome the European Wrestling Championship for youth aged 17. A delegation of the World Wrestling Federation was received today by the mayor Erion Veliaj.

"Wrestling in Albania has reached another level. Today we have over 12 medals from this sport and I am glad that Tirana, in June, will host the European U-17 Wrestling Championship. As long as the USA and other countries have returned to classic sports such as wrestling and started involving young people in these activities from a young age, there is no reason why we, here in the Balkans, should not. we learn from the best", said Veliaj.

He emphasized the importance of a generation growing up with sports. "A good player, a good athlete, is above all a good citizen because he respects the rules of the game, knows how to work in a team, learns that there are also losses, there are also victories. Nothing lasts forever, so I really appreciate that Tirana will be the 'home' of wrestling during the month of June, for all young people aged 17 and I can't wait that, maybe even for next year, in the World Championship, we we are considered a welcoming country. Of course, we will spare no expense for the investments we will make not only for community sports, but also for elite athletes," Veliaj said.

Tirana hosts the European Wrestling Championship in June

He brought up the example of wrestler Zelimkhan Abakarov, who was declared World Champion in red and black colors, as a reason to invest more in elite sport.

"The fact that Zelimkhan is a world champion makes us confident that our team has a good chance for Paris 2024. We will work with community sports and the new gyms that have been opened, but we will also work with elite sports. Your support is very meaningful. Thank you for visiting Tirana and giving us the opportunity to be the home of wrestling in June. The biggest desire is to be crowned in Paris with a victory", he said.