Among the 17 medals won, Kosovo also won one gold and nine silver in the Balkan Kickboxing Championship that took place in Bar, Montenegro.

The gold medal was awarded to Fatlind Ejupi, who in the final defeated Bosnian kickboxer Davud Velic, who was defeated by strong strikes in the first round.

After receiving the medal, Ejupi told KosovaPress that this trophy has special importance both personally and for the state of Kosovo.

“The gold medal for me is very important both for me and for Kosovo. It is a great pride to represent Kosovo in the Balkan competition in a strong federation such as Ovako. It is also my push and a motivation for the future not to stop. I can say that I expected it because the preparations were very good, they were not so easy with coach Marjan Havolli”, said Ejupi.

While the winner of the silver medal, Dalmat Salihaj emphasized that he entered the fight for the gold medal, but that he did not succeed because he was not in his best form.

“I fought hard for the gold medal… I am somewhat satisfied with the second place in the Balkan Championship, but I hope to continue with the gold medal next time. Trainings and preparations have been half so it was not the best opportunity to give my best… It is one of the best feelings, there is nothing else (better) than when you represent your country in the European and World Championships so that our flag can be seen in every country”, said Salihaj.

This success of the Kosovo Kickboxing Federation comes just two weeks after they won five elite medals at the Mediterranean Cup in Turkey.