Kosovo, a small but mighty nation, has cemented its place as a powerhouse of Olympic judo, with an elite system that has outshone many long-established judo nations. Regardless of being recognised by the Worldwide Olympic Committee (IOC) simply over a decade in the past, Kosovo has already achieved exceptional success, claiming extra Olympic medals than many international locations with centuries-old traditions within the sport.
In 2023, Kosovo took its first steps into the realm of Visible Impaired Judo (VI Judo), planting the seeds for inclusivity within the sport. Nonetheless, this weekend marked a big step ahead, one which no Olympic medal may rival. Kosovo taken the initiatives to indulge of their first ever Tailored Judo Workshop in held Budapest, represented by Ms. Linda CENA, Program Coordinator and Valëza SIJARIJA, Media and Exercise Coordinator of the Kosovar Judo Federation. Ms. Cena displays on their journey to the Hungarian capital:
We first heard about tailored judo from our program supervisor, who recommended integrating it into our federation. Our preliminary outreach was to Dr. Sanda Corak, who linked us with Marina Draskovic. Marina guided us by the challenge and the method of getting concerned. Together with her help, we started creating tailored judo classes in early 2024.
At first, we had restricted data to none. We targeted on fundamental judo strategies and demonstrations in faculties for kids with totally different skills. This led to the creation of a judo session in one in all Kosovo’s particular faculties. By September 2024, tailored judo classes had been underway in a number of faculties throughout the nation, as soon as per week. This March, we plan to go to Marina to realize hands-on expertise and additional develop tailored judo in Kosovo with better data and experience.
A Journey of Transformation
When requested about prior expertise with any kind of incapacity sports activities, Ms. Cena admits:
None in any respect. That’s why Marina’s help has been invaluable.
However her [Ms Cena] involvement has been life-changing…
Tailored judo has touched my coronary heart,
– she shares, her voice trembling with emotion.
I like working with these youngsters much more than with mainstream college students. I feel I’ll swap from mainstream teaching to tailored judo teaching, hopefully.
Requested if the expertise has modified her personally, Ms. Cena’s voice cracks additional:
“Sure, completely… but when I speak extra about it, I’ll begin crying,”
– she says as her eyes welling with tears.
Breaking Cultural Boundaries
In some international locations, disabilities stay misunderstood or stigmatised. Kosovo has additionally confronted these challenges. Ms. Cena continues…
Prior to now, incapacity was nearly a taboo subject. Once I was a toddler, I by no means noticed people in wheelchairs. They had been there after all however they had been hidden, not welcomed in public areas. Fortunately, with the advance of know-how, occasions are altering. Society is turning into extra understanding and inclusive.
Now, our judo program provides not solely leisure alternatives but in addition aggressive avenues for these with disabilities. Throughout one in all our demonstrations, a mom of a kid with cerebral palsy approached us, asking for a category for her daughter. That second reaffirmed why we’re doing this, it’s about giving each youngster the prospect to take part and belong.
The Path Forward
The Tailored Judo Workshop in Budapest has been a pivotal expertise for Ms. Cena and the Kosovar delegation;
The workshop has been extremely helpful. Now we’ve clear plans: be taught, adapt, and ship. Hopefully, it’s only a matter of time earlier than Kosovo turns into an everyday participant at tailored judo occasions.
The nation’s efforts in tailored judo are a part of a broader motion to handle the wants of the 21.3% of its inhabitants dwelling with long-term difficulties, as revealed within the 2024 inhabitants census. This marks important progress from the 2011 census, which estimated the determine at simply 8%. The elevated visibility and inclusion of individuals with disabilities sign a societal shift in the direction of acceptance and fairness.
The Kosovar Judo Federation continues to guide this cost, with initiatives just like the Secure Fall Challenge and Judo for All, alongside its major deal with tailored judo in 2025. These packages goal to develop judo’s position as an academic and inclusive device for everybody, no matter skill. Kosovo’s journey in tailored judo is greater than a sporting milestone; it’s a testomony to the nation’s resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to inclusivity.
Pictures: Ms Linda CENA
Writer: Szandra Szogedi
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