The President of the country, Ilir Meta, has praised with the "National Flag Decoration", the world champion in weightlifting, Briken Calja. 

Through a Facebook post, the head of state emphasizes that this assessment comes to elevate the achievements of the Albanian athlete, becoming a triumphant personality and a powerful source of inspiration for children and young athletes. The president also awarded the title of "Grand Master" to Calja's coach Gerald Tosca. 

"Privilege and special pleasure to honour today the sport of weightlifting, which for decades has made us proud, with historic results and dignified representation in the international arena and in particular the World and European Champion, the excellent athlete Briken Calja. 

I praised him with the "National Flag Decoration", which has so much elevated him with his achievements and successes, becoming a triumphant personality, a powerful source of inspiration for children and young athletes. 

Undoubtedly, his personal trainer, European Champion and winner of many medals, Gerald Toska, who I also honoured today with the title of "Grand Master", has an extraordinary contribution to Briken's success. 

I am happy that the Secretary General of the European Weightlifting Federation, Prof. Dr. Milan V. Mihajlovic, as well as the leaders of our sport, were present today. 

Albanian weightlifting deserves more support, not to lose these traditions, but to develop them more, so that Albania is always represented with dignity by other champions who will raise our national flag," Meta wrote.