On the night of 9 December, the vibrant city of Pristina hosted a gala dinner to mark a monumental milestone: the 10th anniversary of the Kosovo Olympic Committee’s (KOC) acceptance to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The event celebrated Kosovo’s incredible journey in the international sporting arena, honouring a decade of achievements, dedication, and growth.
Distinguished guests graced the evening, including the President of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas BACH and the President of the European Olympic Committees, Spyros CAPRALOS. Their presence underscored the significance of Kosovo’s progress and its increasing prominence within the global Olympic family.
A Night of Reflection and Recognition
The gala was more than just a celebration, it was a moment of reflection on Kosovo’s rapid rise in the world of sports. Awards and honours were exchanged during the evening, highlighting the exceptional accomplishments of athletes and management who have carried Kosovo’s flag high on the global stage.
While the night celebrated achievements across various sports, special attention was given to Kosovo’s dominance in judo, a sport that has become synonymous with the nation’s Olympic success. Head coach, Driton KUKA, expressed his feelings about the evening’s happenings;
Great emotions come with the 10th anniversary of Kosovo’s recognition by the IOC. It feels like it was just yesterday, and since then, judo has been on fire, three Olympic Games and five medals. Many times, it still feels like a wonderful dream to me.
It was a long and challenging journey to achieve recognition, requiring tremendous effort. Now, the world understands that we deserve to be a part of the Olympic Games.
We are deeply grateful to Mr. Bach and the IOC for giving us the opportunity to join the global Olympic family and celebrate this incredible journey with people from all over the world.
Kosovo’s Judo Legacy
Central to the evening’s narrative was Kosovo’s trailblazer in judo, Majlinda KELMENDI, the first athlete to secure an Olympic gold medal for her country at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Her victory not only placed Kosovo on the map but also inspired a generation of athletes to dream big. She remembers everything as if it were yesterday;
Ten years ago, I was the best judoka in the world in my category but it was still in questions whether I would represent Kosovo in the Olympic Games even though I was the current world champion, so the day when Kosovo became part of the International Olympic Committee was something I had dreamed of for a long time becuase I was only two years away from stepping on the Olympic carpet under the flag of my country.
The year 2016 came very quickly and I had the feeling that I would win the gold medal and I even said this publicly which makes me laugh when I think about it today, it was very brave of me. What I promised I achieved becuase I won the gold medal and it is very difficult to describe how I felt that day, it was the first time that Kosovo participated in the Olympic Games and I was the one who brought the first gold medal of my country.
My long-standing dream came true and for this I want to thank very much to all people who have worked with me; of course my coach, Driton Kuka, the best in the world and without whom Kosovo would hardly have an Olympic medal. I would like to extend my appreciation to our Olympic President back then, Besim Hasani who was part of the team; the President of the Kosovar Judo Federation, Agron Kuka and of course my teammates. Finally, my family and the Albanian people who have always been my motivation to never stop.
Her heartfelt speech resonated deeply, symbolising the indomitable spirit of Kosovo’s athletes who have overcome numerous challenges to excel on the world stage.
The gala was not just a celebration of 10 years but a tribute to a nation’s determination to shine on the global stage, reminding everyone that the spirit of the Olympics is alive and thriving in Kosovo. With its rich legacy in judo and growing strength in other disciplines, Kosovo stands as a beacon of inspiration for small nations aspiring to make a mark in the world of sports.
Images: National Judo Federation of Kosovo
Author: Szandra Szogedi