Prishtina, 26 December 2024
The Kosovo Handball Federation organized tonight a ceremony to announce the best in this sport, with the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, attending alongside the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hajrulla Çeku and the Deputy Minister, Daulina Osmani.
Describing it as an important event, Prime Minister Kurti stated that through its work and professionalism, the Kosovo Handball Federation has been a model in many aspects, as demonstrated by the results achieved on the international stage.
“Handball in Kosovo is in an important phase of development. Our national teams and clubs are increasingly showcasing their potential, delivering dignified performances in every international match. The historic qualification of the U18 girls’ team for the World Championship has raised ambitions among other teams to aim for high levels in elite competitions”, stated Prime Minister Kurti.
He also emphasized that the successful organization of the European Championship for the U18 and U20 men’s age groups has paved the way for other major events, such as the U17 European Championship for girls, which Kosovo has won the right to host next year.
The Prime Minister recalled the outstanding contribution of the late Izet Gjinovci, former General Secretary of the Kosovo Handball Federation, in the process of Kosovo Handball Federation’s membership in the European Handball Federation and the International Handball Federation.
In conclusion, he congratulated all the laureates selected today, who are the best examples of hard work and passion, and wished that these recognitions serve as further motivation for even greater achievements in the future.
Prime Minister Kurti’s full speech:
Dear Mr. Hajrulla Çeku, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports,
Dear Mrs. Daulina Osmani, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports,
Dear Mr. Ismet Krasniqi, President of the Kosovo Olympic Committee,
Dear Mr. Eugen Saraçini, President of the Kosovo Handball Federation,
Distinguished members of the Executive Board and heads of sports clubs,
Dear athletes, coaches, referees, sports workers, veterans, handball enthusiasts, like myself,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
It is a special pleasure for me to be here today at the ceremony for the announcement of the best in handball.
Handball in Kosovo is in an important phase of development. Our national teams and clubs are increasingly showcasing their potential, delivering dignified performances in every international match.
The historic qualification of the U18 girls’ team for the World Championship has raised ambitions among other teams to aim for high levels in elite competitions.
Now, both the men’s and women’s national teams are advancing with confidence and aiming to qualify for the European Championship and World Championship, respectively. Meanwhile, our clubs continue to perform excellently, achieving significant results on the international stage.
Beyond the results on the field, the Kosovo Handball Federation made great strides in sports diplomacy during 2024, as President Saraçini also mentioned.
The successful organization of the European Championship for the U18 and U20 men’s age groups has paved the way for other major events, such as the U17 European Championship for women, for which Kosovo has won the right to host in 2025.
All of these achievements coincide with the 10th anniversary of the full membership of the Kosovo Handball Federation in the European Handball Federation and the International Handball Federation, a journey that actually began 20 years ago with conditional membership in the European Federation in 2004. In this process, an extraordinary contribution was also made by the late Izet Gjinovci, the former General Secretary of the Kosovo Handball Federation, whom we remember with full respect for his unwavering commitment and dedication to the development of handball.
Although Kosovo has achieved its greatest sports successes so far in individual sports such as judo, boxing and karate, I firmly believe that handball is the team sport that has the potential to bring the greatest international success for our country in the future.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate all the laureates selected today, who are the best examples of hard work and passion. I hope that these recognitions will serve as further motivation for even greater achievements in the future.
Congratulations and best of luck in every challenge ahead!
Thank you for your attention and happy 2025!
Last modified: December 30, 2024