Sport, beyond competition, often becomes a common language between countries, cultures, and generations. At the crossroads of diplomacy and Olympic values lies the recognition awarded by Kosovo to one of the most influential figures in the international sports movement. Sport as a bridge between nations is reflected in a distinction that not only highlights a personal career, but also a way of understanding sport as a tool for cohesion, projection, and development.
On January 12, 2026, in a context marked by challenges related to international positioning and the construction of a sporting identity, Kosovo formally chose to thank Hasan Arat for his strategic and symbolic support. The gesture illustrates how sports leadership can transcend borders and become a key factor in the growth of emerging nations within the Olympic and multi-sport landscape.
A recognition that goes beyond the individual
The President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, awarded the Kosovo Honor Decoration to Hasan Arat during an official ceremony held at the Presidency of the Republic. This is one of the country’s highest distinctions, reserved for individuals who have made significant contributions to Kosovo’s prestige and development at the international level. In this case, the recognition was directly linked to Arat’s support for the successful bid of Pristina to host the 2030 Mediterranean Games.
During the ceremony, Arat emphasized that the honor represents something broader than a personal achievement. In his remarks, he highlighted the unifying power of sport, international solidarity, and the deep bonds built between countries through shared projects. He thanked President Osmani for her constant support of sport in Kosovo and expressed his gratitude on behalf of his country, his family, and himself, reinforcing the idea of sport as a space for encounter and cooperation.
Sporting leadership and international vision
Hasan Arat has a career closely linked to major sporting projects. He was the charismatic leader of Istanbul’s bid to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and played a key role in securing the 2027 European Games for the largest city in Türkiye. This event is widely seen as a strategic platform for Istanbul to strengthen its credentials amid the growing competition to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
Currently, Arat holds prominent positions within the international sports ecosystem: he is an ex-officio member of the Executive Committee of the European Olympic Committees, serves on the Istanbul 2027 European Games Coordination Commission, and is a member of the World Athletics Executive Board. From President Osmani’s perspective, his work has been fundamental in promoting Kosovo on the global sporting stage, strengthening a bid that seeks to leave a lasting legacy for the country’s youth while consolidating Olympic values such as fair play, equality, discipline, and peace.
