Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that in today's government meeting, a decision was made to increase rewards for elite athletes. Gonxhja emphasized that the decision will take effect from the current month of this year, adding that it ensures a fairer reward scheme for sports with multiple disciplines. Coaches of elite athletes will also see an increase in their rewards.
"First, we approved a government decision that significantly boosts support for rewards for elite athletes and their coaches. This decision guarantees a fairer reward scheme for sports with multiple disciplines and will take effect from April 2026. The reward amount for non-Olympic sports increases by 75%. The reward amount for coaches of elite athletes increases by 25%. Daily nutritional support for elite athletes increases by 43%. It was 3,500 lek per day and now goes to 5,000 lek per day," said the minister.
"We have an increase of up to 65% for specific styles and up to 100% for final results. This applies in cases where competitions or sports involve specific styles. In total, the reward can reach up to 230% for the highest results according to the scheme. There is an increase of up to 200%, or tripling, for certain result categories in European championships. There is an average increase of 50% to 100% overall for all other results. There is a 100% increase, or doubling, for Olympic games and world championship categories, with increases for Mediterranean and Balkan competitions," said Minister Blendi Gonxhja.