Has, 21 June 2026
The acting Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, accompanied by the Minister of Sport and Youth, Blerim Gashani, attended last night the final night of the Traditional Football Tournament “Has Martyrs’ Week” (“Java e Dëshmorëve të Hasit”).
Addressing those present, the Prime Minister said that martyrs are at the foundations of our state and at the roots of our freedom.
“To conclude the final of the Traditional Football Tournament “Has Martyrs’ Week” here at Kodra e Pajtimit, there is no doubt that this is more than just a sports tournament in which we are participating together. It is an act of remembrance, an expression of gratitude, and proof that the sacrifice of entire generations continues to live in the collective consciousness of our society and our people. We also wish to promote sound values for the younger generations and for those who will come after us,” said Acting Prime Minister Kurti.
Calling on young people to engage more in sports, the Prime Minister wished them great success in the future and said that the Government will stand by them for sports initiatives and beyond.
Full speech of Acting Prime Minister Kurti:
Dear people of Has, it is a pleasure to be here today among you, together with the Minister of Sport and Youth, Blerim Gashani, the Mayor of Has, Miftar Dauti, from the other side of the border—but it is the same Has, as there is only one Has, not two or three—as well as with our friend and the head of the Kosovo Liberation Army Veterans Organization, Xhevdet Thaçi.
Honourable organizers of the “Has Martyrs’ Week”, the martyrs are at the foundations of our state. They are at the roots of our freedom.
Therefore, we never forget them; we always remember them, because their legacies and ideals guide us towards the future, while their blood is what keeps us strong, both in our history and in our present.
Glory to all the fallen heroes and martyrs of the Albanian nation. Glory to the war of the Kosovo Liberation Army.
To conclude the final of the Traditional Football Tournament “Has Martyrs’ Week” here at Kodra e Pajtimit, there is no doubt that this is more than just a sports tournament in which we are participating together. It is an act of remembrance, an expression of gratitude, and proof that the sacrifice of entire generations continues to live in the collective consciousness of our society and our people. We also wish to promote sound values for the younger generations and for those who will come after us.
By honouring the martyrs, we affirm that every day we strengthen the state, defend the country’s democracy, protect the borders of the Republic, and work for a more just and developed society.
Therefore, even those two little girls wearing the KSF uniform, with the Albanian national flag and the flag of the Republic of Kosovo, singing about our army, are the best proof that our future will be even safer and brighter than our present.
And we, together with Minister Blerim Gashani, also wish to give impetus to sports, and in particular to football as the most popular sport, because there is no better antidote to youth passivity, to obsession with social media, and to spending hours focused on phones during the day, than football.
I believe we all know that we cannot play football and constantly look at our phones. Therefore, the more young people engage in sports from an early age, the better it will be.
It made my heart swell to see here a 72-year-old man, Adem Brahaj. Adem, originally from Gjonaj, who had settled in Berlin, has now returned to his hometown and does not stop playing football. Therefore, all of you who say “I’m too tired, I can’t anymore,” or “I’m too lazy to do it,” should remember Adem Brahaj, 72 years old.
So, sport is education, sport is discipline, sport is dedication, and sport brings us together. Because you cannot play sport by yourself; you must do it together with others, have an opposing team, and also have supporters who help you win the competition.
However, this of course presents us not only as enthusiasts of sport, but also as a Government and a Ministry of Sport and Youth that will support—this is our word, our commitment—all such sporting initiatives that teach young people, and not only them, the spirit of competition, winning with dignity, but also losing with respect. Because after every defeat there is a future victory, because in it you have learned how to win.
Tonight as well, we know, Xhevdet, that there are two teams, and both cannot win. Both Dardania and Lagja e Shehut cannot win. But we know that either Dardania or Lagja e Shehut will win tonight.
However, I congratulate all the players, teams, and coaches who have reached this stage and who will give us a final—another final that we will never forget.
Thank you very much for the invitation, and I wish you great success in the future. We will remain close to you in sporting initiatives and beyond.
