U15 national champion says application was rejected
Questions have been raised over the admission process for Sports Lyceums in Cyprus after a 15-year-old national champion said his application had been rejected despite winning this year’s U15 national title.
The issue came to light after Pantelimon shared a video on TikTok describing his disappointment, while a relative also highlighted the case in a Facebook post.
According to the posts, the teenager began his sporting journey at the age of four and spent the past three years studying at Laniteio Sports Gymnasium while balancing training with his schoolwork and private lessons.
“I only wanted a fair assessment”
Pantelimon said his goal had always been to continue his education at a Sports Lyceum.
However, his application was rejected on the grounds that he did not meet the admission criteria.
“I never asked for special treatment. I only asked to be judged fairly,” he said.
Questioning the decision, he added: “I truly cannot understand it. How can the Cyprus U15 national champion be considered as not meeting the criteria? If the national champion cannot qualify, then who can?”
Concerns over the admissions process
The 15-year-old also claimed there was a lack of coordination between the relevant sports organisation and the Ministry of Education, resulting in what he described as unfair treatment of young athletes.
A relative wrote on Facebook that the case sends the wrong message to children, arguing that even those who work hard and become national champions can still find opportunities closed to them.
Appeal to the President and Education Minister
In his message, Pantelimon appealed directly to President Nikos Christodoulides and Education Minister Athena Michaelidou.
Addressing them, he asked: “Would you want your own child to be treated this way?”
The case has sparked discussion on social media, with many users questioning how admission criteria for Sports Lyceums are applied.
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