“I am extremely proud that we can finally celebrate the international tournament premiere. Kosovo is ready, and our athletes are ready anyway,” smiles Kosovo Judo Federation President and EJU Executive Committee member Agron KUKA.
Kuka took over as national federation president in 2011. At that time, Kosovo did not yet have a national Olympic committee. In the meantime they are having three Kosovan Olympic champions (Majlinda Kelmendi/-52/Rio 2016, Distria Krasniqi/-48, Nora Gjakova/-52/both Tokyo 2021). The government supports the number 1 sport with around 12 million euros. The training centre and hall in Peja are close to completion. The international event is already making its debut.
The Kosovars are not organising just another international tournament, but a newly created format. The European Championships Open on Saturday in Pristina (KOS) are being organised for just two weight classes, one each for women (-57 kg) and men (-73). 41 athletes from 27 nations have entered. Olympic champions, world and European champions and world number one ranked athletes are lining up: Nora, Akil GJAKOVA (KOS), Priscilla GNETO (FRA), Hidayat HEYDAROV (AZE), Distria Krasniqi (KOS), Eteri LIPARTELIANI (GEO), Manuel LOMBARDO (ITA), Timna NELSON LEVY (ISR), Petru PELIVAN (MDA) and Lasha SHAVDATUASHVILI (GEO), just to name a few.
An extraordinary jackpot awaits them: A total of €300,000 will be paid out, with €55,000 each waiting for the two winners. “The venue hall is ready, there are just a few minor details to be finalised. Organisationally, nothing should go wrong,” says Agron Kuka optimistically on the day before the Kosovo premiere. In sporting terms, he would be “happy with any podium finish for his figureheads. We have four local favourites, including two Olympic champions. Distria (Krasniqi) and Nora (Gjakova) are also good for a win.”
The local heroes are still training in Peja on Friday morning, and will be the last athletes expected in the capital city of Pristina in the afternoon. Will the last be first in the end?
Author: EJU Media