Weightlifter Oleg Sirghi became the Best Moldovan Athlete in 2013. He gained most of the votes in a poll that is traditionally carried out by the Sports Press Association of Moldova. The journalists chose Sirghi because of the title of European champion that he won in Tirana and the third position won at the World University Games, IPN reports.

Oleg Sirghi, 26, is a double European weightlifting champion in the 56 kg class. In the rankings of the Sports Press Association, he surpassed boxer Dumitru Galagot and tennis player Radu Albot.

The coach of the national boxing squad Petru Caduc was named the Best Coach of the Year. He outstripped Oleg Sirghi’s coaches Sergiu Cretu and the athlete’s father Oleg Sirghi as well as the coach of the national U-21 football team Alexandru Curteian.

The finalist of Moldova’s Football Cup Veris Chisinau was designated the Best Team. The team trained by Igor Dobrovolski, which ranks third in the National Division, is followed by the national men’s tennis team and the national rugby squad.

The Sports Press Association’s Laureates Gala will take place on January 24, 2014.