Awards were handed out in 10 categories with the athletics crown going to middle-distance runner Luiza Gega, the Albanian record holder in the 800 metres, 1500m, 3,000m and 3,000m steeplechase.

Gega won the 1500m and finished second in the 800m at the European Athletics Team Championships, an event incorporated into the first-ever European Games in Baku. 

She also competed in the 1500m at last year’s International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships, finishing 21st in the heats.

Arjon Kaloshi was recognised as the top athlete in boxing and Redi Halilaj took the cycling honours.

Halilaj, who rides for continental team Amore & Vita–Selle SMP, won the 2015 Albanian National Road Race Championships.

Sabjen Lilaj was named the best footballer of the year.

Nikol Merizaj, 17, was considered the best swimmer after competing in the women’s 100m and 200m freestyle at the World Aquatics Championships in Kazan.

Weightlifter Briken Calja was also recognised, along with volleyball player Anton Qafarena, judoka Jon Vrenozi and taekwondo player Egers Aliu, bronze medallist in the junior under 58 kilogram category at the European Championships in Bucharest. 

The fair play award was given to basketball player Red Vogli Cmimi.

In its selection, the Albanian NOC took into account the participation in national and international activities and the results achieved in different disciplines.