The Scheme, launched by the Youth Commission within the MOC, targets "highly promising and dedicated young athletes".

It aims to benefit them financially to be able to cover expenses while seeking to better their abilities by attending overseas training camps, international competitions or sports schools abroad.

Funds have been allocated by the MOC for use within its youth sector.

Those chosen were nominated and after a "meticulous selection process", with 20 different sports represented

“Following the experiences of the past years where in 2014 the MOC had 33 athletes from 13 federations and in 2015 there were 67 athletes from 20 federations," Paul Sultana, the MOC director responsible for the scheme, said.

"We were aware of the ever growing interests in the youth sector within the affiliated federations for 2016.

"So there is an increase in the number of athletes as 73 athletes from 20 federations will benefit.

"One has to note that for athletics and swimming there is allocation to track and field as well as to swimming and synchronised swimming respectively."

Malta first competed at an Olympic Games in Amsterdam in 1928.

They have missed just five subsequent Summer Olympic editions and made their Winter Olympic debut at Sochi 2014.

They are yet to win a medal.

The Elite Athletes Scheme remains open and the "progress of these selected athletes will be closely monitored to ascertain if they should continue to form part of the Youth Elite Athletes Scheme in the coming years".