The Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOC) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) on Wednesday with an elegant Gala Evening, attended by IOC President Thomas Bach. The event, held on December 9, 2024, marked a decade of outstanding achievement in Olympic sport for the young country.
Official IOC recognition came on December 9, 2014, during the 127th IOC Session in Monaco. Since then, Kosovo has excelled on the Olympic scene, winning five medals in three Summer Olympic Games, all won by its talented judokas.
OLYMPIC SUCCESSES THAT DEFINE KOSOVO
Kosovo’s Olympic history began with Majlinda Kelmendi, who won the first gold medal for her country at Rio 2016. This success was followed by Distria Krasniqi and Nora Gjakova, who achieved gold in Tokyo 2020. At Paris 2024, Kosovo added two more medals: a silver by Krasniqi and a bronze by Laura Fazliu.
These triumphs reflect the impact of judo as Kosovo’s flagship sport, positioning it as an emerging power in international competitions, despite its short Olympic career.
PRISHTINA 2030: A HISTORIC GOAL FOR KOSOVO
In addition to its achievements at the Olympic Games, Kosovo won the right to host the Prishtina 2030 Mediterranean Games, following its successful bid in Heraklion, Greece. This sporting event will be an opportunity to showcase the country’s growth and its ability to host major competitions.
During the gala, KOC President Ismet Krasniqi stressed that this victory is a milestone that will consolidate Kosovo’s sporting legacy, attracting both local and international talent.
PROMINENT SPORTS FIGURES
The gala was attended by illustrious figures such as IOC President Thomas Bach, President of the European Olympic Committees Spyros Capralos, and President of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games Davide Tizzano. Also in attendance were political leaders such as the president of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, and the prime minister, Albin Kurti.
Thomas Bach received a special portrait alongside champion Majlinda Kelmendi and a commemorative book entitled ‘From Rio 2016 to Paris 2024’. In response, Bach paid tribute to Kosovo’s Olympic champions and key figures such as former KOC President Besim Hasani, recognizing their contributions to the development of sport in the country.
