Moldova will not reverse its decision to reduce financial awards for athletes competing in non-Olympic sports, such as karate and armwrestling, Education Minister Dan Perciun said on October 6.
The statement comes three weeks after dozens of athletes and coaches protested outside the government building against the decision.
Perciun explained that the authorities consider different criteria necessary when awarding athletes competing in major international events and those taking part in competitions with fewer participants and different organizational standards.
“We cannot reward at the same level a medal won at an extremely competitive world championship and a result achieved in a circuit with far fewer competitors, different participation criteria and different organizational standards. First and foremost, it would be unfair to the athletes who compete against the best in the world,” Perciun said.
Dozens of athletes and coaches staged a protest outside the government building on September 15.
The protesters argued that the new rules discriminate against athletes in non-Olympic disciplines compared with athletes competing in Olympic sports.