The finalists for the 65th edition of the Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali have been officially announced. This marks a significant moment for Maltese sports as athletes, coaches, and officials prepare for the prestigious awards ceremony. The event, set to take place on Saturday, 1st March 2025, will be broadcast live on TVM Sport+ and across the Malta Sports Journalists Association (MSJA) social media platforms.
The finalists were revealed during a ceremony at the Malta Football Association’s Centenary Hall, where semi-finalists were also recognised with commemorative certificates. The announcement was made by Clinton Buhagiar and Lorraine Cunningham, President and General Secretary of MSJA, respectively.
This year’s edition promises to be highly competitive, with 24 different sports disciplines represented among the finalists, reflecting the strength and diversity of sports in Malta. While the main categories will be determined by a professional jury, the People’s Choice Award will be decided by a public vote. Such an initiative will encourage sports fans to support their favourite athletes.
The Sportsman of the Year category includes five outstanding athletes from different disciplines: Neil Agius (Open Water Swimming), Norbert Attard (Darts), Brian Cini (Snooker), Lydan Debono (Blackball), and Nico Sciberras (Trap Shooting). Each of these athletes has demonstrated exceptional skill and commitment in their respective sports.
The competition for Sportswoman of the Year is equally strong, with five accomplished nominees: Michelle Bonnici Mallia (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu), Francesca Curmi (Tennis), Katryna Esposito (Judo), Sasha Gatt (Swimming), and Tenishia Thornton (Weightlifting). These athletes have excelled on national and international stages, showcasing their talent and dedication.
In the Youth Male Athlete of the Year category, the finalists are Jake Castaldi (Pool), Jayden Cutajar (Water Polo), Kayden Laganà (Bowling), Nathan Mifsud (Weightlifting), and Julian Scerri (Squash). This award recognises the achievements of young athletes who are making significant strides in their respective sports.
Similarly, the Youth Female Athlete of the Year category highlights the emerging talent in women’s sports. The nominees include Thyis Antonelli (Karate), Kim Camilleri Laganà (Weightlifting), Katrina Micallef (Sailing), Michela Scerri (Taekwondo), and Sophie St. John (Gymnastics).
The Coach of the Year award acknowledges the crucial role of coaches in shaping athletes’ careers. The finalists are Jesmond Caruana (Weightlifting), Noel Cassar (Pool), Milan Ćirović (Water Polo), Noel Mercieca (Kickboxing), and Clevion Micallef (Blackball).
The Official of the Year category recognises those who play a pivotal role in maintaining fairness and integrity in sports. The nominees include Terry Camilleri (Malta Billiards & Snooker Association), Vincent Degiorgio (Malta Pool Association), Philip Gatt (Malta Blackball Federation), Karl Izzo (Aquatic Sports Association), and Bjorn Vassallo (Malta Football Association).
Honouring team efforts and community initiatives
The Team of the Year award celebrates exceptional performances by teams across different sports. The finalists are:
- Blackball Men’s National Team Doubles Masters Over 50 (Chris Mills & Jesmond Schembri – World Championships)
- Blackball Men’s National Team Under-15 Doubles (Jake Castaldi & Dielyn Edwards – World Championships)
- Pool Men’s National Team Under-18 (Steve Muscat, Jake Castaldi, Denzel Falzon & Nick Muscat – World Championships)
- Water Polo Men’s Senior National Team (competing in the World Cup Division 2 and European Championships)
- Weightlifting Mixed National Team (Tenishia Thornton & Rylee Borg – European Union Confederation Championships)
The People’s Choice Award will be decided entirely by public vote, allowing sports fans to support their favourite nominee by sending an SMS to the designated number. The finalists for this category include Neil Agius (5061 5031), Sam Cassar (5061 5032), Jake Castaldi (5061 5033), Gianluca Chetcuti (5061 5034), Brian Cini (5061 5035), Bryan Corlett (5061 5036), Rodney Gatt (5061 5037), Kayden Laganà (5061 5038), Fabio Spiteri (5061 5039), and Tenishia Thornton (5061 5040).
Additionally, the Sport for Social Change Award acknowledges initiatives that use sport as a tool for community development and social good. The finalists in this category are:
- Fgura United Football Club – Richmond Foundation Football Festival & Football Marathon in aid of Puttinu Cares
- Fondazzjoni Caritas – Caritas Run for Life
- Ħamrun Ħanin – Autism Awareness Initiatives
- Malta Triathlon Federation – Fabio Spiteri Ultra Endurance Initiatives
- Move – Pump It programme of street sports
The Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali is organised in collaboration with the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation and is supported by SWEAT, National Lottery, Atlas Insurance, Bank of Valletta, Enemed, Responsible Gaming Foundation, VisitMalta, Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS), Colourbars, Teamsport, and Bolt.
With anticipation building ahead of the ceremony, the Għażliet Sportivi Nazzjonali remains one of Malta’s most prestigious sporting events, recognising excellence and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
