Alen Rustemovski awarded bronze at Mediterranean Games in Taranto
Medal was presented on August 27, 2026 by the head of the Macedonian Olympic Committee; a protest to the world boxing federation did not change the result.
Alen Rustemovski returned to North Macedonia with a bronze medal after competing at the Mediterranean Games held in Taranto. The final decision stood despite a formal protest submitted by the Macedonian delegation to the world boxing federation.
Medal ceremony and reaction
The official presentation took place on August 27, 2026, when Rustemovski received his bronze from the president of the Macedonian Olympic Committee, Daniel Dimevski. Delegation officials had hoped the federation would reconsider the outcome after the match, but no changes were made to the placements.
The Macedonian Olympic Committee publicly underlined its support for the boxer at the ceremony, saying, "For us you are more than a champion." The remark accompanied the formal handover and was noted by teammates and supporters who were present in Taranto.
Rustemovski’s result adds to North Macedonia’s medal tally at the Games and gives the boxer a platform to build on ahead of upcoming competitions. Team staff said the experience in Taranto will be used to prepare for future international tournaments.
Officials and fans followed the dispute with the world boxing federation closely, but the federation’s review did not alter Rustemovski’s passage to a bronze finish. The athlete will return home with the medal and the support of his national committee and delegation.
Plans for Rustemovski’s next steps — including training schedule and potential international starts — will be announced by his team in the coming days.
Photo: press material from the event
