The final training session at the training centre in Peja takes its usual course for Team Kosovo. Head coach Driton “Toni” KUKA doesn’t let the tension show. “But of course I’m more nervous than usual. I’m not used to being at home the day before an important competition. And my family isn’t used to it either… My athletes and coaches know how to take me when I’m stressed. It’s new at home – for my family members.”
The training lasts just under 90 minutes, without too much strain. A mobile phone alarm rings repeatedly, signalling the end of a training drill. 12 athletes are on the mat, plus three coaches around. Driton Kuka has his hands clasped together, his gaze focussed. He gives the commands. Assistant coach Majlinda KELMENDI, Olympic, world and European champion, occasionally intervenes. Otherwise, the dojo is quiet.
They have achieved a hell of a lot, Kuka’s protégés, in recent years – since independence in 2008. First World Championship title, then European Championship title in 2013 and 2014, first Olympic victory in 2016, both by Majlinda Kelmendi (-52), who now supports her teacher in her training work.
Distria KRASNIQI (-48) and Nora GJAKOVA (-57) followed suit in Tokyo – with two more Olympic gold medals. And Laura Fazliu (-63), all of 23 years old, has also earned the title of world class as No. 2 in the IJF ranking and Masters winner. Not bad for a country with a population of just two million.
Now it’s time for another first: the European Championships Open 2023 will take place in Pristina on Saturday from 10.30 am (final from 5 pm). Kosovo is hosting the event for the first time. Two weight classes are on the programme (one each for women/-57 and men/73). 41 athletes from 27 nations will compete for prize money totalling 300,000 euros. The two winners will each receive 55,000 euros.
“I hope that everything goes smoothly at the tournament on Saturday,” says Driton Kuka. “We also want to cut as good a figure as possible as organisers. We want to be perceived as hospitable and courteous. We want to make the best impression.” After a short pause, he continues: “As a coach, I naturally also want to see good results from our athletes. I would be very happy with a medal in front of our own fans. We are Kosovo, a small country. We can’t win on an assembly line, that would be unrealistic.” Postscript: “You’ll never hear me talk about gold in the run-up. That’s not my style.”
Distria Krasniqi is seeded number one on Saturday, compatriot Nora Gjakova number two – two Olympic champions in different weight classes who could only meet in the final. Toni” doesn’t want to talk about that. Them taking the first two places would certainly not harm the image of the Kosovan Judo Federation.
Author: EJU Media