Prishtina, 16 August 2026
Honourable Minister of Sport and Youth, Mr Blerim Gashani,
Honourable President of the Olympic Committee of Kosovo, Mr Ismet Krasniqi,
Honourable representatives of the sports federations,
Dear sports officials and coaches,
Dear athletes,
Dear Olympic medallists Majlinda, Distria and Laura,
Honourable champion and master coach, Driton Kuka,
Distinguished guests,
Dear citizens of the Republic of Kosovo,
Tonight, we have gathered for a very special occasion, to introduce the team that will represent the Republic of Kosovo at the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy.
But above all, we are here to tell our athletes one simple and important thing: Kosovo is with you.
Behind every medal, every victory and every Kosovo flag raised at international arenas lie years of hard work, sacrifice, discipline and belief. These are values that sport cultivates particularly well and that our society needs.
Our athletes have demonstrated that, regardless of the size of our country, we can achieve great results. At the most important international competitions, they have ensured that the name of Kosovo is heard, the state flag flies and the national anthem is played with pride.
Today, a new generation of athletes is preparing to write the next chapter, another opportunity for Kosovo to present and represent itself through the talent, dedication and success of its young people.
The Government of the Republic of Kosovo will continue to view sport as an investment in people, in the health of our society, in the development of young people, and in the international image of our Republic.
I would like to express my special gratitude to the coaches, federations, the Olympic Committee of Kosovo, the families and everyone who stands behind our athletes. Very often, the successes we see on the podium are the result of many sacrifices that the public does not see.
And tonight, before you depart for Taranto, I want to tell you: Go with confidence. Go with dedication. Go to give your very best. Victory is important, but the way in which we fight for it is what defines us.
When you enter the arenas of Taranto, you will be there as athletes of Kosovo, but also as ambassadors of your country. Compete for the Republic of Kosovo with the dignity it deserves.
We will follow you, support you and celebrate every success of yours.
And when the flag of Kosovo is raised high there, let us remember that behind it stands a strong country, an entire people and a new generation that believes in its own potential.
I wish you great success in Taranto. Return with pride, with new experiences and, hopefully, with as many medals as possible.
Success to our athletes! Keep making us proud! Thank you very much for your attention!