On the evening of 9 December, the colourful metropolis of Pristina hosted a gala dinner to mark a monumental milestone: the tenth anniversary of the Kosovo Olympic Committee’s (KOC) acceptance to the Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC). The occasion celebrated Kosovo’s unbelievable journey within the worldwide sporting enviornment, honouring a decade of achievements, dedication, and development.
Distinguished visitors graced the night, together with the President of the Worldwide Olympic Committee, Thomas BACH and the President of the European Olympic Committees, Spyros CAPRALOS. Their presence underscored the importance of Kosovo’s progress and its rising prominence inside the international Olympic household.
A Evening of Reflection and Recognition
The gala was greater than only a celebration, it was a second of reflection on Kosovo’s speedy rise on this planet of sports activities. Awards and honours have been exchanged throughout the night, highlighting the distinctive accomplishments of athletes and administration who’ve carried Kosovo’s flag excessive on the worldwide stage.
Whereas the evening celebrated achievements throughout numerous sports activities, particular consideration was given to Kosovo’s dominance in judo, a sport that has turn into synonymous with the nation’s Olympic success. Head coach, Driton KUKA, expressed his emotions concerning the night’s happenings;
Nice feelings include the tenth anniversary of Kosovo’s recognition by the IOC. It feels prefer it was simply yesterday, and since then, judo has been on fireplace, three Olympic Video games and 5 medals. Many instances, it nonetheless appears like a beautiful dream to me.
It was an extended and difficult journey to realize recognition, requiring super effort. Now, the world understands that we should be part of the Olympic Video games.
We’re deeply grateful to Mr. Bach and the IOC for giving us the chance to hitch the worldwide Olympic household and rejoice this unbelievable journey with folks from all around the world.
Kosovo’s Judo Legacy
Central to the night’s narrative was Kosovo’s trailblazer in judo, Majlinda KELMENDI, the primary athlete to safe an Olympic gold medal for her nation on the Rio 2016 Olympic Video games. Her victory not solely positioned Kosovo on the map but additionally impressed a technology of athletes to dream massive. She remembers the whole lot as if it have been yesterday;
Ten years in the past, I used to be the very best judoka on this planet in my class nevertheless it was nonetheless in questions whether or not I might signify Kosovo within the Olympic Video games regardless that I used to be the present world champion, so the day when Kosovo grew to become a part of the Worldwide Olympic Committee was one thing I had dreamed of for a very long time becuase I used to be solely two years away from stepping on the Olympic carpet below the flag of my nation.
The 12 months 2016 got here in a short time and I had the sensation that I might win the gold medal and I even stated this publicly which makes me chortle after I give it some thought right now, it was very courageous of me. What I promised I achieved becuase I gained the gold medal and it is extremely troublesome to explain how I felt that day, it was the primary time that Kosovo participated within the Olympic Video games and I used to be the one who introduced the primary gold medal of my nation.
My long-standing dream got here true and for this I need to thank very a lot to all individuals who have labored with me; after all my coach, Driton Kuka, the very best on this planet and with out whom Kosovo would hardly have an Olympic medal. I want to lengthen my appreciation to our Olympic President again then, Besim Hasani who was a part of the workforce; the President of the Kosovar Judo Federation, Agron Kuka and naturally my teammates. Lastly, my household and the Albanian individuals who have all the time been my motivation to by no means cease.
Her heartfelt speech resonated deeply, symbolising the indomitable spirit of Kosovo’s athletes who’ve overcome quite a few challenges to excel on the world stage.
The gala was not only a celebration of 10 years however a tribute to a nation’s dedication to shine on the worldwide stage, reminding everybody that the spirit of the Olympics is alive and thriving in Kosovo. With its wealthy legacy in judo and rising energy in different disciplines, Kosovo stands as a beacon of inspiration for small nations aspiring to make a mark on this planet of sports activities.
Pictures: Nationwide Judo Federation of Kosovo
Creator: Szandra Szogedi
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