On 24th February 2025 – The Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska, together with the Minister of Sports, Borcho Ristovski, were part of the panel discussion titled “Handball: the number 1 Sport?” organized by the specialized handball portal “SamoRakomet.mk”.
Ministers presented their views and responded to important questions the attendees posed on topics such as strategy, vision, infrastructure projects and forms of state funding in sports, with a particular focus on handball.
Minister of Finance, Gordana Dimitrieska- Kochoska emphasized the sports as an important area at the center of this Government’s attention, thereby stressing that the the 2025 sports budget 5 is by three times higher than the funds allocated in 2019.
– Even before assuming the role of minister, I have always believed that ensuring a high-quality education and strong sports has been essential for the state. Therefore, this year’s sports budget has been doubled compared to last year. For example, in 2019, around Denar 280 million was allocated for sports, whereas in 2025, the budget has risen to Denar 1.1 billion, being more than a threefold increase in the sports budget. This demonstrates that we, as a Government, are fully dedicated to promoting sports. Certainly, all these efforts should be aimed towards achieving tangible results. When allocating such funds, we must be clear about the ultimate goal we strive to attain. In recent times, dissatisfaction has emerged among certain sports clubs.
As a Ministry, we are contemplating specific reforms, which will inevitably result in reducing the direct subsidies allocated to sports clubs by the Ministry of Sports. The fundamental question is what we seek to accomplish. Sports must ensure fair treatment for all, in particular as regards competitions in the junior and youth categories. We must ensure conditions that motivate and provide every child with the opportunity to engage in sports. Sports is solid foundation for a healthy nation. You will always have my support as an ally when it comes to advocating for sports, Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska stressed.
As both a former handball national team player and sitting Minister of Sports, Ristovski emphasized that handball, as per the tangible results, is positioned as the number one sport in the country, which status is reflected in the Ministry of Sports’ strategy as well.
-Handball is unquestionably the leading sport in Macedonia. Our Ministry has made the decision to declare handball as the number one national sport of Macedonia. “Some national sports federations have made some remarks thereupon, however, it is much easier to stand behind a sport that is validated by concrete results. Almost all handball teams across all age categories have qualified for major competitions, which is not the case in other sports. Therefore, it is logical to allocate the majority of state subsidies destined for sports, to handball, as Ristovski stressed.
He pointed out the necessity for developing a strategy for sports advancement, which the Ministry f Sports will create in cooperation with the national sports federations.
During the panel discussion, Minister Ristovski also touched upon the infrastructure projects of the Ministry of Sports as a foundation for the sports development.
Minister Dimitrieska-Kochoska and Minister Ristovski jointly confirmed that the Government will make a stronger commitment to the development of sports in Macedonia and that athletes will remain at the center of government policies.
