The most prominent figures in global sports arrived in Kosovo at the invitation of the Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOC) to celebrate together the 10th anniversary of its membership in the International Olympic Committee.

The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Thomas Bach, the President of the European Olympic Committee, Spyros Capralos, the President of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, Davide Tizzano, as well as presidents of many international sports federations and other prominent figures from global sports, were part of this gala evening where this anniversary was celebrated with many of Kosovo’s successes in sports on the international area.

The President of the Kosovo Olympic Committee, Ismet Krasniqi, described the membership in the International Olympic Committee as a “historic event” for Kosovo. He said that although Kosovo is a small country, it has shown the world that with hard work, trust, and dedication, more can be achieved than one can imagine, and this will be proven in the coming years.

“During these 10 years, we know that the road has not always been easy, there have been challenges, there have been doubts, but more than anything else, there has been trust and courage… Kosovo, despite being a small country, has shown that it has great potential, an invincible stronghold, and big dreams. Our five Olympic medals, four in the European Games, triumphs in the Mediterranean Games, successes in world and European championships are proof that when we believe in ourselves, no limit is impossible. We have proven that anything can be achieved, perhaps even more than we had imagined, simply by having trust and working with dedication,” said Krasniqi.

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, emphasized that this 10th anniversary finds Kosovo with many extraordinary successes achieved in sports.

She added that Kosovo’s athletes are making an extraordinary journey around the world and that they are the main pillars and the best ambassadors of Kosovo and its image on the international stage. This was demonstrated by judoka Majlinda Kelmendi, who has now become an inspiration for young athletes all over the world.

“The journey of Kosovo’s athletes has been extraordinary, from winning Olympic medals to proudly raising the flag on international stages. They have shown the world who Kosovo truly is… Our athletes have proven that they are our best and most deserving ambassadors, and for that, we are proud of every step, every competition, and every goal they have achieved. This decade is filled with achievements and unforgettable moments for Kosovo’s sports, and in fact, for every citizen of Kosovo, because through sports, Kosovo has been placed on the global map in an extraordinarily dignified manner,” declared Osmani.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said that this decade marked history not only for Kosovo but also for international sports, as Kosovo won medals in its debut at the Olympic Games with champion Majlinda Kelmendi.

“During this decade, Kosovo has achieved what once seemed impossible. From international recognition, to participation and representation, and directly to Olympic gold medals. A historic moment for Kosovo, and also for international sports, where a country, in its Olympic debut, wins an Olympic gold medal. Allow me to express my deepest gratitude to our champion, the brave woman, the eagle from the mountains of Rugova, our first Olympic gold medalist, Majlinda Kelmendi. Her success not only elevated Kosovo to the peaks of global sports, but also inspired entire generations of young people to dream and work towards greatness,” said Kurti.

Meanwhile, the president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, expressed his confidence that Kosovo is destined for many more medals in the next 10 years.

“You will host the Mediterranean Games in 2030, and if you organize this event as well as you have done with your achievements in sports, I believe it will also be a great success for Kosovo within the European family. Of course, when we are here 10 years from now, celebrating the 20th anniversary of your Olympic Committee, I am sure that by then we will be celebrating with even more medals, not just from these wonderful women in judo, but you will also have men in judo and other sports winning medals. I don’t want to take up any more of your time, congratulations for what you have done, congratulations Kosovo,” Bach said.

The Kosovo Olympic Committee became a member of the International Olympic Committee on December 9, 2014.

KosovaPress News Agency is the only media sponsor that has supported the Kosovo Olympic Committee and sports in general for several years./