The National Olympic Committee of Albania has given Tokyo 2020 scholarships to eight athletes ©KOKSH

The National Olympic Committee of Albania (KOKSH) held a special ceremony to recognise eight athletes who have been awarded Tokyo 2020 scholarships.

All eight will receive money to help them prepare for the next edition of the Summer Olympics in the Japanese capital.

It comes after a deal between the KOKSH, the athletes themselves and national governing bodies.

Those set to benefit are Izmir Smajlaj and Luiza Gega from athletics, weightlifter Evagjeli Veli, swimmer Nikol Merizaj, judoka Jon Vrenozi, wrestler Eriglent Prizren, taekwondo player Elord Gjana and karate's Xhino Toli.

A ceremony was held to recognise the eight athletes ©KOKSH
A ceremony was held to recognise the eight athletes ©KOKSH

They will be able to use their scholarships to pay for things such as training, transport and accommodation as they bid for success at Tokyo 2020.

Albania has never won an Olympic medal of any colour after first appearing at Munich in 1972.

They sent two athletes to the Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang in South Korea last month.

President Viron Bezhani emphasised KOKSH's continued support for serious preparation towards Tokyo 2020.