CHISINAU, January 8, 2024 - In a grand celebration of Moldovan sports, members of the Moldovan Sports Press Association (APSM) gathered at the elegant Mi Piace restaurant in Chișinău at the end of December for the annual APSM Gala. The event highlighted the outstanding achievements of Moldovan athletes and sports journalists, marking a year of historic milestones for the country's sporting community. The event also highlighted the crucial role of the sports press in documenting and celebrating these remarkable achievements.
Historic Success at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics
2024 proved to be an exceptional year for Moldovan athletes, with the country earning a record four Olympic medals in Paris. Additionally, one more bronze medal is currently under dispute at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Moldovan athletes also shone at the Paralympic Games, earning two medals, further cementing the country's place in the international sporting arena.
Anastasia Nichita: Best Female Athlete
The evening's spotlight was on Anastasia Nichita, who was honored as Best Female Athlete of the Year. The wrestler made history by winning Moldova’s first silver medal in women’s wrestling since the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. This achievement represents the highest honor ever attained by any Moldovan female Olympian since the country’s independence, a monumental accomplishment that solidified her place in the annals of Moldovan sports.
Serghei Tarnovschi: Best Male Athlete
Serghei Tarnovschi, the standout canoeist, was named Best Male Athlete after a stellar 2024 campaign. Tarnovschi, a bronze medalist at the Paris Olympics, also claimed gold in the C-1 500m at the European Championships and bronze in both the C-1 1000m and C-1 500m events. His impressive performances continued at the World Championships, where he earned silver in both the C-1 500m and C-1 5000m, further solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s top canoeists.
Ion Basoc: Paralympian of the Year
Ion Basoc was named Paralympian of the Year for his groundbreaking performance at the Paris Paralympic Games. Basoc earned Moldova’s first-ever silver medal in para judo, marking a historic achievement for the country. This was a standout year for Moldovan para-athletes, with Oleg Cretul earning a bronze medal in para judo and two other athletes placing in the top 8. Notably, the last time Moldova earned Paralympic medals was in 1996, making this year particularly significant.
FC Petrocub: Best Team of the Year
In football, FC Petrocub was named Best Team of the Year for their outstanding achievements during the 2023-2024 season. The club won both the Moldovan Super League and the National Cup, while also making a notable appearance in the Group Stage of the Europa League, a major milestone in Moldovan football.
Coaches of the Year
The prestigious Coach of the Year honors were shared among three deserving individuals whose athletes achieved historic success in 2024. Andrei Chiperi, coach of Anastasia Nichita, was recognized for his pivotal role in her groundbreaking Olympic success. Valeriu Duminica, the coach of judo athletes Denis Vieru and Adil Osmanov, both of whom earned bronze medals at the Paris Games, also received recognition. Additionally, Vitalie Gligor, coach of Ion Basoc and Oleg Cretul, was celebrated for guiding them to Paralympic medal glory.
A Unique Tribute to Moldovan Sports
Moldovan sports journalists who demonstrated outstanding professionalism throughout the year were also recognized, with a special category dedicated to Olympic coverage.
This year, instead of the usual sports magazine, the APSM, with the support of its partners, compiled a special commemorative book entitled "Top Sport Moldova". The book features stunning photographs and insightful interviews, capturing the most extraordinary moments of 2024 and offering a lasting tribute to Moldova’s sporting excellence.
