Malta has not only won this year's Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) finishing at the top of the medal tally, but also secured an absolute record of 97 medals, the government said.

With 38 gold medals, 30 silver medals, and 29 bronze medals, Malta won a total of 97 medals. Cyprus came in second place, while Luxembourg ranked third.

"Malta has achieved an unprecedented record of medals, not only in terms of the number of gold medals but also in the total number of medals won. The best result prior to this edition was achieved in the 2003 Games held in Malta and the 2011 Games in Liechtenstein, where Malta was ranked fourth."

During the closing ceremony of these Games, Minister for Sport Clifton Grima praised the Maltese contingent.

"We have invested in them, we have invested in the facilities, and this investment has yielded results. Results that led to a historic edition of the GSSE for Team Malta. Congratulations to all athletes and sportspeople; you have brought great honour to our country," Grima said.

Malta won 15 gold medals in athletics, five medals in squash, four medals in swimming, four medals in table tennis, three medals in tennis, three medals in shooting, three medals in judo, and medals in basketball.

Considering the previous three editions held in Malta, exceptional progress can be observed between the medals won in this edition and those won 30 years ago in 1993 (a total of 31 medals: 4 gold, 7 silver, and 20 bronze) and 20 years ago in 2003 (a total of 41 medals: 11 gold, 15 silver, and 15 bronze).

This edition of the Games also witnessed several records being broken, both on individual athletes' personal basis and collectively in various sports disciplines.

"There is no doubt that this has been the greatest week in Maltese sports history. I take the opportunity to celebrate our athletes and sportspeople, coaches and officials, the Sports Associations, the Maltese Olympic Committee, the Organizing Committee, and also the media, all of whom were part of this success achieved by our country," Grima said.

The GSSE concluded on Saturday evening with another spectacle at the Floriana Granaries, where the Maltese contingent was continuously cheered by the audience.

The ceremony also served to pass on the organization of the Games to Andorra, the host country for the next two editions.