Pristina, December 10, 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated last night in the festive ceremony organized by the Olympic Committee of Kosovo to mark the 10th anniversary of Kosovo’s admission to the International Olympic Committee.
In his speech, before the numerous attendees, among whom were also leaders of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the European Olympic Committees (EOC), and the International Committee of Mediterranean Games (ICMG), Prime Minister Kurti referred to Kosovo’s acceptance into the International Olympic Committee as a historic milestone for local sports.
He emphasized that on this anniversary, we are reminded of our journey, strength, dedication, and the dreams of many sports enthusiasts who have shaped Kosovo’s presence on the global sports stage.
During this decade, Kosovo has achieved what once seemed impossible. From international recognition, to participation and representation, and directly to an Olympic gold medal. A history for Kosovo, and also a history for international sports, where a country, in its debut at the Games, wins an Olympic gold medal,” said the Prime Minister, expressing deep gratitude for our first Olympic medalist, the gold medalist Majlinda Kelmendi. Her success not only elevated Kosovo to the pinnacle of world sports but also inspired entire generations of young people to dream and work towards greatness.
Furthermore, he stated that the successes of Distria and Nora in Tokyo demonstrated that the history written by Majlinda was just the beginning. While the medals of Distria and Laura in Paris demonstrated that this is the continuation and that this beginning and continuation are the realized dream of the Judo Grandmaster, Driton Kuka.
In three participations in the Olympic Games, Grandmaster Driton Kuka and judokas Majlinda Kelmendi, Distria Krasniqi, Nora Gjakova, and Laura Fazliu brought Kosovo five medals, of which three were gold, one silver, and one bronze.
On this 10th anniversary, the Prime Minister has expressed gratitude to the International Olympic Committee, the European Olympic Committee, and the entire international sports structure for the warm welcome they have extended to Kosovo into the global sports family.
He particularly thanked the President of the IOC, Thomas Bach, to whom he expressed gratitude for his contribution to the internationalization of sports in Kosovo and for his presence in Pristina to mark this jubilee anniversary.
A special acknowledgment was also expressed for the Olympic Committee of Kosovo and the entire sports community of our country for their tireless work, stating that your dedication has built strong foundations for the future of our sport, which we all rejoice in.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Honorable President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs.Vjosa Osmani Sadriu,
Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Mr. Hajrulla Çeku,
Honorable Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Ms. Daulina Osmani,
Honorable President of the Olympic Committee of Kosovo, Mr. Ismet Krasniqi – thank you very much for bringing us all together here tonight at this festive ceremony for the sport of Kosovo,
Honorable President of the International Olympic Committee, Mr. Thomas Bach,
Honorable President of the European Olympic Committee, Mr. Spyros Capralos,
Honorable President of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, Mr. Davide Tizzano,
Representatives of the Olympic Movement and the sports community from around the world,
Honorable representatives of the diplomatic corps here in the Republic of Kosovo,
Honorable athletes, former athletes, coaches – the sports community of Kosovo,
Honorable friends and attendees,
Good evening to everyone!
Dear President Bach, President Capralos, and President Tizzano, thank you for being true friends to Kosova and it is a great honor to have you here with us in Prishtina tonight.
We are gathered together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of a historic milestone in local sports, the admission of Kosovo into the International Olympic Committee. Three Summer Olympic Games and two Winter Olympic Games. Many World and European Championships, and other competitions where our athletes over these years made an entire nation proud.
This anniversary reminds us of our journey, strength, dedication, and the dreams of many sports enthusiasts who have shaped Kosovo’s presence on the global sports stage.
During this decade, Kosovo has achieved what once seemed impossible. From international recognition, to participation and representation, and directly to an Olympic gold medal. A story for Kosovo, and also a story for international sports, where a country, in its debut at the Games, wins an Olympic gold medal.
Allow me to express my deepest gratitude for our Champion, the courageous woman, the eagle of the Rugova mountains, our first Olympic gold medalist, Majlinda Kelmendi.
Her success not only elevated Kosovo to the pinnacle of world sports but also inspired entire generations of young people to dream and work towards greatness.
The successes of Distria and Nora in Tokyo demonstrated that the story written by Majlinda was just the beginning. While the medals of Distria and Laura in Paris demonstrated that this is the continuation.
This beginning and continuation are the realized dream of the Grandmaster of judo, Driton Kuka. Thus, with three participations in the Olympic Games, Toni brought five medals to Kosovo.
These results represent the strength of a small nation challenging the world through work, discipline, and dedication. Indeed, the sport of Kosovo is a symbol of the indomitable will and spirit of a people, who with dignity and courage continue to write history on the international stage.
We are deeply grateful to the International Olympic Committee for opening the doors of opportunity for the athletes of Kosovo.
Mr. Bach, your unwavering support has been decisive in giving our athletes the opportunity to represent our country with dignity and pride. Thank you very much. Vielen Dank.
Additionally, on this 10th anniversary, we express our gratitude to the European Olympic Committee and the entire international sports structure for the warm welcome they have extended to Kosovo into the global sports family.
A special acknowledgment goes to the Olympic Committee of Kosovo and the entire sports community of our country for their tireless work. Your dedication has laid the strong foundations for the future of our sport, which we all joyfully anticipate.
President Bach, recalling December 9, 2014, when under your presidency, Kosovo became the newest member of the IOC – today after a decade – we believe that you must also be proud of the support you have provided to the sport of Kosovo. On behalf of the people and the government of Kosovo, I extend our deepest gratitude. Your presence here tonight means so much to us.
Looking ahead, Kosovo is proud to host the Mediterranean Games Prishtina 2030. This historical event is the largest sports project our country has ever undertaken, reflecting our commitment to advancing sports and strengthening international cooperation.
As we reflect on this significant moment, let us continue to believe in the power of sport to unite, inspire, and transform. Tonight, let us celebrate not only what we have achieved but also the boundless potential that lies ahead of us.
To all of you who have contributed to this journey, I extend my heartfelt gratitude.
Thank you and I wish you a pleasant evening!
Last modified: December 11, 2024