The gala concert “Sportsman of the Year 2022”, organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, took place on Thursday evening at the National Opera in Bucharest.

Davyd PopovychPhoto: ERNESTO BENAVIDES / AFP / Profimedia

Octavian Bellou and Mariana Bitang, winners of the special “Legend of Sports” award.

At least 14 awards were presented during the gala concert, News.ro reports.

The event was also attended by the Prime Minister of Romania, Nicolae Chuke, who also presented a special award to Octavian Bell, designated for the Legend of Sports. The coach shared the honor with Mariana Bitang.

The stars of the evening were David Popovich and Simona Radish, who were named the best athletes of 2022.

Simona Radish is a two-time gold medalist of the World Rowing Championships, and her performances could not go unnoticed.

On the other hand, David Popovich’s 2022 was exceptional, winning the World and European Championships in the 100m and 200m freestyle.

Other awards of the “Sportsman of the Year 2022” gala concert.

Team of the year – women’s individual sports: Simona Radish and Ankutsa Bodnar (rowing – academic doubles), European and world champions, the best boats among women in 2022.

Team of the year – individual sports among men: World and European champions Marius Kozmiyuk and Sergiu Bezhan (rowing – double-hull boat).

Coach of the year – Michaela Melinte (athletics), coach Bianca Gelber.

Coach of the year – Antonio Colamonici (rowing), coach-coordinator of the Olympic rowing team, winner of 4 gold medals of the World Championship and 5 gold medals of the European Championship.

Team of the Year – women’s team sports: “Rapid” Bucharest (women’s handball), champion of Romania and member of the Champions League

Team of the Year – men’s team sports: CFR Cluj (football), champion of Romania for the 5th time in a row

Sportswoman of the year in Paralympic sports: Camelia Chiripan, bronze medalist of the World Table Tennis Championship in Spain.

Paralympic athlete of the year: Alexandru Bologa (blind judo), gold medalist of the European Championship in Italy and bronze medalist of the World Championship in Azerbaijan

Event of the year in sports / Best organization of international competitions in Romania: Otopeni European Junior Swimming Championships.

Young female talents: Olena Zakharia (table tennis), gold medalist of the U 21 European Championship

Young male talents: Andriy Istrate (table tennis), gold medalist of the U21 European Championship (mixed).

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