European Kettlebell Championship held in Moldova for the first time

The European Kettlebell Championship is taking place at the Chisinau Arena on December 5-7 for the first time in Moldova. This year's edition sets a participation record for the federation's continental competitions, with 257 entries from 16 countries. The tournament also gains open championship status, due to the presence of an invited delegation from India.

The competition is also notable for its inclusive component, integrating events designed for para-athletes, enhancing both the social impact and the sporting relevance of the event.

"For Moldova, it is a distinct honor to host this championship. Beyond the prestige, we also have a huge responsibility, as it is a first-time event for our country. Athletes from 16 countries are participating, with 257 entries – a record for this type of competition at the European level and a remarkable achievement for the International Confederation of Small Weightlifting," said the federation's president, Dumitru Prodan.





State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Research Sergiu Gurin  emphasized the institution's support for the development of this sports discipline.

"I wish much success to all athletes, especially those from Moldova. We want to be champions at home, and I hope that will happen. The Ministry of Education supports this sporting event both financially, morally and logistically, hoping that this discipline will develop in our country. For many people, the kettlebell event may seem unusual, but it is significant because Paralympic and locomotor disability athletes participate in this competition. Basically, that was the main motivation for accepting the organization of the competition, as they compete equally alongside other athletes," said Sergiu Gurin.





The importance of the participation of athletes with disabilities was also emphasized by the first vice president of the Paralympic Committee, Vitalie Gligor.

"The most important thing is that people with disabilities will also participate in these competitions. It is a demonstration that, among them too, there are athletes who deserve to be accepted and promoted to show they have the potential to become champions," specified the vice president of the Paralympic Committee.





At the same time, the president of the International Kettlebell Federation (WKSF), Oleg Ilika, noted the atmosphere and organization of this year's edition.

"I am for the first time in Moldova and I am pleased about this. Our goal is to unite weightlifting enthusiasts from around the world, regardless of religion or culture, and what we see today in Chisinau is the result of extraordinary work," said Oleg Ilika.





The national team of Moldova is participating with approximately 30 sportspeople, including world and European record holder Nicolae Birliba, as well as athletes Frank Nicolae and Mihai Muntean.