The final block of the European Championships Open in Pristina could not have gone better from a Kosovan perspective. Four of the six finals took place with national participation, and all four ended with victories for the local heroes. The highlight was Akil GJAKOVA’s triumph in the men’s final (-73) against runner-up Manuel Lombardo. Nora GJAKOVA, Distria KRASNIQI and junior Dardan CENA each took bronze. “It’s crazy how well he fought today. Beating Hidayat Heydarov, the number 1, on the way to the final was the key to success. To be honest, I’ve never seen Akil in this form before,” marvelled head coach Driton “Toni” Kuka. The 27-year-old former European champion had a similar view. “I think I was even better than when I won the European Championship title in 2021. Beating Heydarov gives me a lot of confidence, especially heading into the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.” Asked about his emotions, Akil said: “I’ve never had a better day in judo. Winning at home is wonderful. The fans, my family and friends have given me strength. I think that’s why the fights were comparatively easy for me!”
How does he intend to use the 55,000 euro prize money? “It’s the ideal time to thank all the people I owe this success to and I’ll put a little aside to save up. And we’ll have a bit of fun too.”
Among the first to congratulate him was sister Nora, Olympic champion: “I’m really proud of him, he was incredibly focussed in the final and didn’t make a single mistake. That was the best Akil I’ve ever seen.” The 31-year-old was “not entirely satisfied with my bronze medal. I had a lot of pressure – in front of the home crowd. It could have gone better for me. But I’m happy for the team. Four medals, one of them gold, is great for our judo. It feels like a public holiday.”
Olympic champion Distria Krasniqi was also absolutely delighted with her first appearance in the -57 category: “I didn’t say this beforehand, but I couldn’t train until last week because I had a rib injury. I’m proud of my performance and of the whole team, especially Akil. We really wanted to win gold at home and he did it. Apart from that, this performance gives the men a real boost for the future.”
Head coach Driton “Toni” Kuka had tears in his eyes: “I couldn’t have imagined this day any better. Everyone who built up our judo is here, including the heads of government. This is one of the best days of my career. A milestone for us. We also did really well in terms of organisation.”
The biggest surprise came from 20-year-old Dardan CENA with his third place. “He fought incredibly bravely. It’s amazing how effective he fought,” praised Driton Kuka.
European Championships Open Pristina 2023, prize money: 300,000 euros (1st place: 55,000, 2nd place: 35,000, 3rd place: 20,000, 5th place: 10,000)
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Author: EJU Media