2023 proved to be a prolific year for sports in the Republic of Moldova. The country’s athletes won a record number of medals, and Chisinau hosted a series of significant competitions, writes TVR Moldova. Wrestler Anastasia Nichita, canoeist Serghei Tarnovschi, and disabled judoka Oleg Cretul were named the best athletes of 2023. In addition, six Moldovan athletes have already secured their spots at the Paris Olympics scheduled for this summer.
The anthem of the Republic of Moldova echoed at numerous high-profile competitions in 2023. The most significant titles were obtained at the World and European Championships, where Anastasia Nichita consistently stood on the podium. At the continental tournament, the wrestler claimed the gold medal, while at the supreme competition, she secured the silver, earning her qualification for the Paris Olympics.
ANASTASIA NICHITA, wrestler: “I really want the Olympic medal and will do everything in my power, everything possible, not to return home with regrets.”
CONVINCING PERFORMANCE OF WRESTLERS
Irina Ringaci also secured her place at the Olympics after winning bronze at the Senior World Championship. However, at the ultimate tournament dedicated to the youth category, the wrestler claimed the supreme title.
IRINA RÎNGACI, wrestler: “It was very difficult, but I succeeded. I am happy about this because it is the result of daily hard work, together with the coaches.”
In 2023, other Moldovan wrestlers also made their mark. Among them were Mariana Drăguțan, Victor Ciobanu, Vasile Diacon, Alexandru Solovei, and Alexandrin Guțu, who was awarded the title of “Revelation of the Year.” Guțu became the European and World champion in the youth category.
ALEXANDRIN GUȚU, Greco-Roman wrestler: “I expected more. I wanted to qualify for the Olympics, but unfortunately, I didn’t succeed.”
HISTORIC GOLD AT THE EUROPEAN GAMES
Artiom Livadari brought home the gold. The Muay Thai fighter claimed the supreme title at the European Games in Poland, marking the first such distinction in the history of the Republic of Moldova. However, the young athlete is still missing an important accolade from his record.
ARTIOM LIVADARI, Muay Thai fighter: “After three editions of the World Championships where I won silver, I am determined to bring home the gold. That’s what I want the most.”
SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE BY JUDOKAS
Judokas also excelled in 2023. Radu Izvoreanu became the youth European champion, and Petru Pelivan won bronze at the senior continental tournament, after a small final against another representative of the Republic of Moldova, Adil Osmanov.
In the same competition, Denis Vieru achieved four victories and was rewarded with the gold medal. The world leader in the 66-kilogram category, along with Petru Pelivan and Mihail Latîșev, has a guaranteed spot at the Olympics, but official confirmation will only come in May.
DENIS VIERU, judoka: “Each year has its charm. I can’t say one is better or worse than the other. It’s a process, and we rejoice.”
Judokas with disabilities were also impressive. Oleg Cretul and Ion Basoc triumphed at the Para Judo European Championship, as well as at the Tokyo Grand Prix. Moreover, they are on the verge of qualifying for the Paralympic Games next year.
OLEG CREȚUL, judoka with disabilities: “I wish for the para judo team to raise the country’s flag high at the Paralympic Games.”
NUMEROUS MEDALS FOR CANOERS
A significant number of medals were obtained by those practicing water sports. The tandem of Nichita Naumciuc and Dmitrii Zincenco won bronze at the Canoeing World Championship. Meanwhile, in canoe competitions, Elena Glizan and Mihai Chihaia stood out with a series of convincing performances. However, the focus was on the pair of Daniela Cociu and Maria Olărașu, who took gold at both the European and World Championships, both in the youth category.
In addition, the girls earned the right to participate in the Paris Olympics, just like Serghei Tarnovschi. Alongside Anastasia Nichita and Oleg Cretul, the canoeist was named the “Athlete of the Year.”
SERGHEI TARNOVSCHI, canoeist: “I managed to qualify for the Olympic Games, win medals at the European Games, and the World Championship. I will strive for new successes in 2024.”
HISTORIC SUCCESS FOR DAN OLARU
Dan Olaru will go to the Olympics as well, achieving an unprecedented feat in 2023. The archer won gold at the debut stage of the World Cup, being the best among 133 participants.
DAN OLARU, archer: “For me, it was a successful year. I am very happy that it started well and ended with very good results.”
WEIGHTLIFTERS ON THE PODIUM
It was a productive year for weightlifters as well. Elena Erighina claimed bronze at the Senior European Championship, just like Tudor Bratu and Marin Robu. However, the boys made waves at the continental tournament dedicated to young athletes, where they won the supreme title.
MARIN ROBU, weightlifter: “I would say it was a quite successful year. We brought six medals, three of which are gold. It’s a pretty good result.”
IMPORTANT SPORTING EVENTS IN CHISINAU
Moldovan athletes also stood on the podium at major competitions held in the Republic of Moldova. For the first time, the European Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship was organized at “Chișinău Arena.” The country’s representatives delivered an exceptional performance, with Nicoleta Cojocaru standing out, winning two gold medals and one bronze.
Another unprecedented show took place in the Republic of Moldova at “Chișinău Arena” – the “Gladiator Challenge,” where a hundred participants faced off. At the end of several challenging tests, Valeriu Derevenciuc was named the “Strongest Man in the Country.”
The European Armwrestling and Para Armwrestling Championship was also held at “Chișinău Arena.” About a thousand athletes from dozens of countries competed at “Moldexpo” for continental titles.
And the atmosphere at the “Zimbru” stadium was magical in 2023. Fans eagerly watched the impressive performance of the national football team, which was on the brink of making historic qualification for the European Championship. Serghei Clescenco’s students achieved some surprising results, including a victory against Poland with a score of 3-2.
Thousands of people attended the arena’s stands for other matches in Chisinau. Such support had never been seen at the “tricolor” matches, which managed to unite a nation.
SERGHEI CLEȘCENCO, coach, Republic of Moldova national football team: “The boys showed courage, and next year we will have even more responsibility in front of football fans. I hope only for good things!”
HISTORIC RUGBY MATCH IN CHISINAU
Sports enthusiasts enjoyed not only football matches but also rugby. In October, the Republic of Moldova hosted the first international duel after a break of over four years. “Haiducii” emerged victorious in the clash with Serbia.
545 MEDALS IN 2023
Let’s sum up and total the year. 2023 brought a series of notable achievements by Moldovan athletes at Olympic, Paralympic, and non-Olympic competitions. The country’s record now includes 545 medals, an absolute record for the Republic of Moldova.
DAN PERCIUN, Minister of Education, Republic of Moldova: “We hope that 2024 will be at least as good. We have high expectations for the Olympic Games. We wish our athletes a lot of success in the new year.”
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