Defence Minister Ermal Nufi meets elite Armed Forces athletes, unveils initiative to launch sports Ccasses at the Armed Forces Academy

Published: Monday, 03 August 2026 11:30

Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi held a meeting with elite athletes serving in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Albania to discuss a new initiative that would see them contribute to the delivery of extracurricular sports classes across Armed Forces structures and at the Armed Forces Academy.

The meeting was also attended by the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji. Discussions highlighted the significant contribution that champions and elite athletes could make to the training of cadets and military personnel, helping to strengthen the physical fitness, mental resilience and professional readiness of the Armed Forces.

“Drawing on the experience of elite athletes will help enhance training methods, reinforce discipline and a competitive spirit, and better prepare our personnel to respond to operational challenges, civil emergencies and the demands of international missions,” Minister Nufi said.

Minister Nufi praised the contribution made by elite athletes both through their sporting achievements and their service in the Armed Forces. He noted that their success, dedication and professionalism set a powerful example for younger generations.

The initiative envisages the establishment of sports classes at the Armed Forces Academy, designed to support the physical and psychological development of cadets and service members, enhance the sporting performance of military personnel, promote sport throughout the Armed Forces, establish representative teams for participation in sporting events, and pass the expertise of elite athletes on to the next generation.

Athletes will have the opportunity to contribute on a voluntary basis as visiting instructors, coaches, mentors, motivational speakers or technical advisers. The programme will be implemented in cooperation with the Armed Forces Academy, the Albanian National Olympic Committee and national sports federations.

The proposed programme will cover a broad range of disciplines, including judo, wrestling, boxing, taekwondo, karate, kickboxing, biathlon, military pentathlon, shooting, athletics, weightlifting, gymnastics and team sports, while making full use of the sports facilities available at the Armed Forces Academy.