28 February 2025
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KOSOVO: JUDOKA HONOURED AT ANNUAL OLYMPIC GATHERING

KOSOVO: JUDOKA HONOURED AT ANNUAL OLYMPIC GATHERING

Distria Krasniqi and Akil Gjakova have been named Athletes of the Year 2024 at the 9th edition of the Kosovo Olympic Committee’s annual awards ceremony. Krasniqi was crowned Female Athlete of the Year, while Gjakova received the Male Athlete of the Year award. Both judoka secured these honours for the fifth time in their careers.

“Every Olympic medal holds the value of gold. I am proud to have won two, and my goal for LA 2028 is to claim a third” – said Krasniqi, who won an Olympic silver medal and was crowned European champion last year. Gjakova, who finished fifth at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, expressed his pride in his achievements, emphasising that his success is the result of years of dedication and hard work.

L-R: Akil Gjakova, Sidorela Dodaj, Laura Fazliu, Distria Krasniqi and Fatos Tabaku. The latter received the award on behalf of Driton Kuka. © Kosovo Olympic Committee

For the ninth consecutive year, the Coach of the Year title was awarded to Driton Kuka, Kosovo’s legendary judo coach The Special Awards in both male and female categories were presented to footballer Edon Zhegrova and judoka Laura Fazliu, respectively. Meanwhile, the National Teams of the Year honours went to the men’s football team and the women’s handball team. The “Olympic Hopes” Awards were given to Sidorela Dodaj (judo) and Yll Kastrati (basketball), recognising their potential as future Olympians.

In his opening speech, Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOC) President Ismet Krasniqi highlighted Kosovo’s achievements in 2024, with a special focus on the Olympic medals won at Paris 2024, the visit of IOC President Thomas Bach to Kosovo, and other sporting successes.

“The Olympic medals won at Paris 2024 by Distria Krasniqi and Laura Fazliu, along with our successes at the World and European Championships, are proof of the tireless efforts of those who have always put the nation’s interests first. These achievements are also a testament to the dedication of our coaches and support staff, who have been an unwavering pillar throughout this journey,” – said President Krasniqi.

The KOC also continued its tradition of honouring veteran sports journalists who have made significant contributions to the promotion of sports in Kosovo.

Source and Images: Kosovo Olympic Committee

Author: EJU Media