Macedonian athletes enjoyed an excellent performance at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, returning home with a total of six medals – one gold, two silver and three bronze medals. With this tally, North Macedonia matched its medal haul from the 2018 Mediterranean Games in Tarragona, when Macedonian athletes won two gold, one silver and three bronze medals.

Following the successful performance in Taranto, the Macedonian Olympic Committee organized a press conference in the presence of the National Olympic Committee President Daniel Dimevski the wrestler Matej Belistojanovski, as well as Petar Spasenovski, Head of the North Macedonian delegation, and Mogamed Ibrahimov, Vice-President of the Wrestling Sports Federation of North Macedonia, who shared their impressions of the Games in Taranto.

North Macedonian Olympic Committee President Daniel Dimevski described the delegation’s performance as exceptionally successful, noting that the six medals are confirmation of the quality of North Macedonian athletes and their dedicated work.

“Six medals from the Mediterranean Games is a result we should be proud of. These medals were won through the tremendous efforts of the athletes, their coaches and the federations, and they are a source of joy for our country. The North Macedonian Olympic Committee provided all the necessary conditions at these Mediterranean Games, and the athletes rewarded us with the medals we brought home. Their performance confirms that North Macedonia has athletes capable of competing for the highest places at major international competitions,” Dimevski said.

He added that the success in Taranto provides additional motivation to continue investing in North Macedonian sport and creating better conditions for athletes.

A particularly notable achievement for North Macedonia in Taranto came from Matej Belistojanovski, who won the gold medal in karate in the -67 kg category. Belistojanovski reached the final after four victories, where he defeated Croatia’s Boran Berak 6–0 to claim the gold medal.

“I am extremely happy to have won the gold medal and made North Macedonia proud. This success is the result of a great deal of work, training and sacrifice. I am grateful to everyone who was with me and supported me. This gold medal is an additional motivation to continue working and fighting for new successes,” said Belistojanovski, who won the gold medal in the karate -67 kg category.