Wrestlers Chermen Valiev and Islam Dudaev, who competed under the Albanian flag at the Paris 2024 Olympics, were each awarded bronze medals and honored by the Prime Minister in a special ceremony. They also received medals of recognition for their outstanding achievements.

Context 

Thanks to the excellent performances of Valiev and Dudaev, Albania has won Olympic medals for the first time in its ten Olympic appearances. However, this victory has sparked a debate among sports experts and politicians. Some argue that it should not be considered a victory for Albania because both wrestlers are originally from former Soviet states and are only naturalized as Albanians because of their wrestling talent.

The Prime Minister dismissed this debate, stating that it is common for athletes worldwide to represent countries different from their origins. He encouraged other athletes to join Albanian sports federations, emphasizing inclusivity and openness regardless of their background.

“We welcome others from all countries around the world. Anyone who wants to come here, we do not ask them to change their name, skin color, or anything else,” declared the Prime Minister, ironically referring to cases where Albanian athletes who joined Greek federations were forced to change their names.

From 2021 to 2024, Albania has won 538 medals in various competitions, including European Championships, Mediterranean Games, Balkan Championships, and international tournaments, but never before in the Olympic Games.