President of the Republic, Ilir Meta decorated with the Title "Grand Master" 5 prominent weightlifters, Vehap Xhindoli, Esat Ademi, Ilir Çelaj, Endri Haxhihyseni and Gerti Trasha.

In his speech, the Head of State said that these weightlifters are a permanent source of pride and a model of inspiration for the new generations of athletes.

"It is a special privilege, to honour some prominent personalities of weightlifting and our sport, who with their results have contributed, to represent with dignity this sport in the national and international arena. Undoubtedly, weightlifting is a very important part of the history of Albanian sport, and its results have made us feel proud, from the world record of the great and unforgettable Ymer Papmuri to the latest medals of Briken Calja.

I have the pleasure to award with the high title ‘Grand Master’, the veteran of weightlifting and many other sports, Mr. Vehap Xhindoli, a personality known for the sport of weightlifting, but also for athletics, acrobatics, at the same time the founder of the circus of Elbasan. With his work and thanks to his talent, Mr. Xhindoli has broken 70 national records, won the title of Champion for 8 years in a row and has scored other outstanding achievements.

It is a special pleasure to also appreciate Mr. Esat Ademi, another well-known weightlifting personality, athlete of the highest levels with 'Vllaznia', 'Partizani' and the National Teams, who has managed to be not only the Champion of country, but also winner of many Cups and medals.

He has also made an extraordinary contribution as President of the Albanian Weightlifting Federation, through the support of young talents and outstanding leadership proven to achieve many important successes in the international activities of this sport.

It is a pleasure to appreciate Mr. Ilir Çelaj, one of the most famous weightlifting coaches, not only of Elbasan, but also of the National Teams, who has prepared well-known champions and record holders.

Ilir Çelaj holds, since 1996, the title of head coach with the National Weightlifting Team and has represented him in almost all international Olympic, world, European, Mediterranean and Balkan Games.

Two excellent weightlifters, champions and record holders, whom we honour with the title 'Grand Master' are Endri Haxhihyseni and Gerti Trasha, who with their results in national and international activities, have raised the prestige not only of weightlifting, but good Albanian sports.

These athletes and coaches are an example of inspiration for all young people and children in our country who have a passion for weightlifting. The deserved results that these personalities of our sport have achieved, are an example of inspiration for the education of children and young people, with the best models, how success can be achieved with work and perseverance and thus rise high with dignity. "and the national flag," Meta said.