Today, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic presented the results of its work in the field of sports and at the same time informed about record investments that are directed to sports infrastructure, talented youth, team
December 2, 2025
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Today, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Slovak Republic presented the results of its work in the field of sports and at the same time informed about record investments that are directed to sports infrastructure, talented youth, team sports and the preparation of Olympians. The Minister of Sport emphasized that the establishment of a separate ministry was the right step that made it possible to protect sport during the consolidation of public finances and at the same time ensure its systematic development.
"In the past, sport was often the first area to suffer in every crisis. An example is the damage caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which we still feel today. Today, the situation is different. We have succeeded in defending the interests of sport and ensuring that it does not suffer the negative consequences of consolidation. Record resources are being directed to sports – also thanks to the performance of TIPOS and the surplus proceeds from lotteries," said Minister Rudolf Huliak.
At the same time, the ministry is applying the regional principle for the first time, so support is also directed to smaller towns and rural areas. "The whole of Slovakia must feel support, not just large centers. This is the basis for building a healthy sports population," he added.
In 2025, more than 191 million euros will go to sports, bringing investments to an all-time high since the establishment of the ministry. At the same time, the ministry said that all tasks from the Government's Programme Statement will be fulfilled.
Flagship projects include:
➡ OLYMP generation for Milan–Cortina 2026
Targeted support for 9 winter sports and more than 50 representatives worth 1.7 million euros. The goal is quality preparation and ensuring conditions that will increase the number of places won.
➡ Generation OLYMP for Los Angeles 2028
Support for athletes in 20 sports and 30 sectors in the amount of EUR 1.435 million, with annual growth in funding. The ambition is to double the set compared to Paris 2024.
➡ Team sports
Pilot support for 5 selected team sports – volleyball, handball, basketball, water polo and floorball – in the total amount of EUR 1 million, guaranteed for 4 years.
➡ Sports for children and youth in schools
An investment of €300,000 to support sports directly in the school environment, including badminton, orienteering, rugby and teqball.
➡ Olympic Training Centres
€1.34 million in support for 154 talented athletes and 8 sports schools – including training, meals, health care and dual education.
➡ Reconstruction of gyms in municipalities with up to 5,000 inhabitants
The investment of EUR 7 million will enable the reconstruction of sports facilities in up to 107 municipalities, which will significantly reduce regional differences.
➡ National Sports Projects 2025
The construction of three athletic halls – in Zvolen, Košice and Martin – with a total value of 25 million euros as a fundamental support for the "queen of sports".
➡ Support for major sporting events
€14 million to support 168 major sporting events in 2024-2026.
The Sports Support Fund has redistributed €60 million this year alone. During the operation of the fund, the investment debt in sports infrastructure has been gradually reduced. "We have received more than one thousand four hundred applications for support for projects worth about 700 million euros. Projects worth 230 million were approved. I believe that in the future we will also satisfy the two-thirds of applicants who are waiting to be able to use the contribution," explained Radoslav Hecl, Chairman of the Fund's Board of Directors.
The National Sports Centre, headed by Vladimír Baluška, mainly supports talented young athletes with a view to the Olympic Games and other top events. "The National Sports Centre is focused on four basic pillars – diagnostics, young athletes, education and projects. There are currently 87 athletes in the elite category and 115 talents in the IŠT project. Our goal is to expand this number. Last year, the athletes of the National Championship brought 38 medals from top events," explained the director of the National Sports Centre.
Presentation from the press conference