Prishtina, 15 July, 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, participated in the ceremony of handing over the state flag to the Olympic team of the Republic of Kosovo, before their departure to Paris, within the framework of the Paris Olympic Games 2024, which are held from July 26 to on August 11.
In his speech, Prime Minister Kurti praised the team of athletes. “All of you together represent the dreams and hopes of Kosovo. You are an example of what can be achieved with hard work, discipline and self-belief. The road to Paris is not easy, but we have proven that when we are together, we are ready to face any challenge that comes our way”, said Prime Minister Kurti.
Wishing our athletes much success and luck in every competition, the prime minister said that today, as we hand over the flag, we carry with you the pride, trust and unconditional support of all the people of Kosovo. “You have it all, so when you step onto the playing field in Paris, know that all of us are with you. All of Kosovo is with you. Don’t forget that every step you take, every victory you achieve, is a victory for all of us”, Prime Minister Kurti said at the end of his speech.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
Your Excellency, Ms. Vjosa Osmani Sadriu, President of the Republic of Kosovo,
The honorable Mr. Hajrulla Çeku, Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports,
Honorable Olivier Guerot, Ambassador of France to the Republic of Kosovo,
The honorable Mr. Ismet Krasniqi, President of the Kosovo Olympic Committee,
Dear Ms. Daulina Osmani, Deputy Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports,
Excellencies ambassadors and other representatives of friendly countries in our country,
Dear Olympic team,
Dear athletes,
Dear attendees,
Ladies and gentleman,
It is my special pleasure to be among you tonight at this historic moment, as we prepare for the departure to Paris to mark Kosovo’s third participation in the Olympic Games.
Here in front of us are nine athletes who will represent us in Paris. Six of you reached the Olympic standards, which directly made you a medal candidate.
A super team with super athletes!
We all know it. Majlinda Kelmendin – our first gold – who represents us for the first time in the Olympics as a coach. With Disi and Nora, the two reigning Olympic champions, with Laura, who is currently third in the world in her category, as well as Loriana and Akili – who are an integral part of our state’s sporting success in judo.
The achievements of each of you, for which we are coveted by many countries around the world, are the result of the passion and devotion of our master, Driton Kuka.
Tony, three Olympic gold medals is a high standard that you have set, of which we are all eternally proud. However, in Paris you will feel at home. In addition to the fact that judo occupies a special place in France, just like here, simultaneously in the last decade, you have won a total of 15 medals, including 8 gold ones, in the prestigious Paris Grand Slam judo competition. Therefore, let’s continue our successes in the French capital in this Olympics.
Beyond judo, the only non-judo athlete of Olympic caliber who has definitely qualified for Paris is our iron boxer, Donjeta Sadiku. Her path in the sports career reflects the courage of the individual, to have big dreams and the consistency in work to achieve results.
All of you together, represent the dreams and hopes of Kosovo. You are an example of what can be achieved with hard work, discipline and self-belief.
The road to Paris is not easy, but we have proven that when we are together, we are ready to face any challenge that comes our way.
For the other three athletes who will participate by invitation, your participation in the Olympic Games also shows your commitment to represent Kosovo. We are sure you will do your best.
Today, as we hand you the flag, we carry with you the pride, trust and unconditional support of all the people of Kosovo. Representing our Republic is a responsibility that requires professional focus and human patriotism. You have it all, so when you step onto the playing field in Paris, know that we are all with you. All of Kosovo is with you. Remember that every step you take, every victory you achieve, is a victory for all of us.
I wish each and every one of you the best of luck and success in every competition.
Thank you very much, and good luck in Paris 2024!
Last modified: July 23, 2024