Wrestler Victor Ciobanu was named the athlete of the year, while his coach Mihail Cucul - the coach of the year at the Sports Gala 2018, IPN reports.

Wrestler Anastasia Nikiita was awarded in the Talent of the Year category. Swimmer Tatiana Săculțan and Greco-Roman wrestler Alexandrin Guţu became the Revelations of the Year, while the team of the Wrestling Federation of Moldova – the Team of the Year.

The best ten athletes of the year are: Aaron Cook and Stepan Dimitrov – taekwondo, Dan Olaru – archery, Oleg Tarnovski – canoe sprint, Donior Islamov, Alexandru Biciu and Daniel Cataraga – Greco-Roman wrestling, Radu Albot – tennis, Zalina Petrivskaya – hammer throw, Dumitru Galogoț – boxing.

Boxer Veaceslav Gojan, who this year ended his sports career, was awarded a special diploma.

In the award ceremony, Minister of Education, Culture and Research Monica Babuc noted the perseverance and work done by the athletes and their coaches to achieve results at national and international competition.s “We wish you good lunch at the competitions that will take place next year, especially those that will enable us to  take part in the 2019 Tokyo Olympics,” stated the official.

The president of the National Olympic and Sports Committee Nicolae Juravski said the biggest emotions are felt when Moldova’s flag is hoisted and the national anthem is played at competitions. He thanked the sportspersons who build the country’s image by their results in sports.

In 2018, the Moldovan athletes won over 200 gold, silver and bronze medals at international competitions in all the age categories and at different events.