The pot of money will go into the Youth Elite Scheme, which aims to prepare and support Malta's most promising young athletes, some of whom have already produced notable results in their sports.

A total of 51 athletes were selected for the programme, with the MOC making their selections based on their current performances and following discussions with their coaches and National Federations.

"It is our mission to be enablers towards the success of our supported athletes," Paul Sultana, director and head of MOC Youth Commission, said. 

"It is imperative that we build a strong foundation for the future of sport in Malta, in particular for the forthcoming GSSE (Games of the Small States of Europe) to be held in Malta in 2023.

"These athletes’ successes will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of athletes, of whom the future of sport depends on.  

"We look forward to reading about these athletes’ success stories in the near future."

The scheme will offer talented athletes the chance to maximise their potential and achieve personal bests by supporting and adding value to an athlete’s current plan with their personal coach.

It will also aim to ensure all athletes develop the necessary key areas for their event relating to lifestyle, preparation, performance, physical, mental, tactical and technical aspects.

The young athletes have been placed into three tiers of funding – podium, elite and promising.

Podium athletes refer to those who have already gained podium placings in international competitions and who have achieved top European rankings in their respective youth categories. 

Elite athletes are those who have registered personal bests and national records and the promising category is geared towards athletes who are showing improvement on a regular basis.

Malta first competed at an Olympic Games in Amsterdam in 1928 but have never won a medal. 

To see the full list of athletes entered into Youth Elite Scheme, click here.