Which generation will create NEXTGEN? FBRM Pres

A series of notable events, with a particularly emotional weight and taking place this winter season, have drawn special attention to the activities of the Biathlon Federation of

Moldova (FBRM). Among them are the performances of our athletes at international competitions in new and attractive gear, adorned in national colors, as well as participation in the World Cup in Italy, where they enjoyed substantial support from the Embassy of Moldova in Rome and the diaspora.

Additionally, we will highlight the silver medal won by Alina Stremous at the European Championship and, more recently, a new project, NEXTGEN, aimed at children, which was presented in Criuleni. Behind all these initiatives is, as reported by the national federation, the president of the organization, Dmitri Torner.

Will these creative ideas develop into something profound and solid? How will this influence the progress of sports in Moldova? – these are the topics we discuss in the interview below with the president of FBRM.

Mr. President, your work has led many to view Moldovan biathlon in a different light, and some have discovered with surprise that such a sport exists in Moldova. At the same time, it is understood that we will not become a force in the field, like Sweden or Norway. Nevertheless, by investing your efforts in this winter discipline, are you not afraid of their futility?

This is a good question regarding stereotypes. Usually, we all tend to believe, with a certain ease, in myths. However, some of these I would like to challenge, while others, on the contrary, should be created. Let's take an example: what do the repeated victories of Alina Stremous speak of?

About the fact that we can, that we are capable of great achievements. The other thing is that all future victories should have been prepared since yesterday. No one is born a champion. That is why, in sports, time must be measured in generations. I do not consider the efforts we have made in this field to be futile. Otherwise, the NEXTGEN project – "the next generation" – would not have emerged.

Let's talk about NEXTGEN. You have probably been pleased, perhaps even inspired, by the lively interest that the children's training sessions in Criuleni have generated?

Without a doubt. It is impressive to see how the more than 50 children simply watch, hardly breathing, the film about our biathletes, and then for the first time they take a laser gun in hand and hit the targets... There, the enthusiasm overwhelmed not only the children but also captivated the adults.

But let's start from the beginning and see what the NEXTGEN project represents. It aims to attract, motivate, educate, and glorify – these are just a few words that encompass the entire essence of the phenomenon. Meetings with biathletes, free and accessible training sessions, interesting sports equipment, competitions, first victories – until recently, there was no one to take care of these actions, which are so simply captivating and generating enthusiasm for children. No one was interested.

But I am interested. We need "Olympic reserves" – Moldovan athletes who will compete in the next edition of the Youth Olympic Games in 2028. We have opened new horizons and perspectives for the children, we have provided them with the opportunity to train, and these measures cannot be in vain; I am sure of that. In the meantime, the expected results will come as well.

Who can apply for NEXTGEN?

Currently, we are in the pilot phase of the project, taking place in the Criuleni district, in an excellent sports hall located within the UNIT Youth Center. Most importantly, our biathlete Alexandra Camenșcic is active there as a coach.

After an open biathlon lesson, we announced the recruitment of children into a free section. Over 30 interested individuals signed up, of which only a portion live in Criuleni; therefore, we organized a route that will regularly transport children from the village of Râșcova to training sessions. Additionally, the section is attended by children from the village of Slobozia-Dușca.

We hope to open another section at one of the schools in Chișinău. We intend to organize open training sessions and various competitions during the summer vacation. At the same time, it is necessary to focus not only on young talents but also on the new generation of coaches. Thus, we will also advance in this area of activity, including with the support of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) through the educational programs of the specialized academy.

How willing is the international biathlon community to help Moldova?

Not only are they willing, but they are also actively helping. They support those who are active and can effectively use this assistance. It is wonderful that we benefit from such support. Recently, a major IBU conference took place, gathering presidents of federations from 44 countries: it is encouraging that states where biathlon is just beginning to gain momentum, such as Moldova, have been given a special place in the 2030 strategy.

In the meantime, we received 10 laser rifles for the children's training, which allowed us to open the NEXTGEN sections.

Do you believe you have enough resources to turn Moldova into a "biathlon country"?

That is a difficult question. Usually, when I initiate a new project, I allocate certain resources to it. The important thing is to start, to explore, to identify possibilities, to move forward. Sports, education, and family are areas of overwhelming importance for a country; however, the state never has enough resources in this regard. Especially now.

So, we decided to lend a hand and help our country by creating the TornerSportsInitiative Public Association. Its objective is to support organizationally, logistically, and financially the efforts made by the national federation to promote and develop domestic biathlon.

By the way, in the future, the NEXTGEN project can be expanded to include other winter sports. I invite physical education teachers, parent committees, and local public administrations to collaborate – if you want us to organize open lessons with the participation of famous athletes, at schools or sports complexes, or if you aim to progress in coaching – please contact us without hesitation. We are firmly committed to developing the NEXTGEN project throughout the entire republic.

Dmitri Torner – 43 years old, born in Chișinău, provides business consultancy for international companies. He has been at the helm of the Biathlon Federation of Moldova since December 2021 to the present.