Prishtina, 6 August, 2024
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, accompanied by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hajrulla Çeku, took part tonight and delivered the main speech at the state reception organized in honor of the champions and our Olympic team who have represented Kosovo at the Games Olympics in Paris 2024.
“Dear attendees who have come here, with joy and pride to welcome our Olympic team. As the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, on behalf of all our citizens, I have the honor to congratulate you on your successes and welcome you back to your home with pride. For the part of the team that is still in Paris, we welcome you with open arms in your beloved Kosovo”, said the Prime Minister.
He said that once it seemed imaginary to think that Kosovo triumphs before the countries – which are world powers, but now this fact has become a convincing reality, which all of us are enjoying.
“This country, which you made proud, will always keep your path open to go as easily and as quickly as possible to other successes, to new successes”, he declared.
Coach Driton Kuka also spoke to the audience, who said that it is an honor and a pleasure to see you here, as it is the third time in a row from three Olympic Games that we are returning with medals.
The state reception was organized by the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and was held in “George Bush” square, in Pristina, where, in addition to state representatives, many citizens also came out to welcome the Olympic champions.
Prime Minister Kurti’s complete speech:
The Honorable Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Hajrulla Çeku,
Our very beloved Olympic team,
Dear athletes, Hana Beiqi, Donjeta Sadiku, Akil Gjakova, Laura Fazliu and Distria Krasniqi,
Honorable Grandmaster Driton Kuka, coach of the national judo team,
Dear coaches, Majlinda Kelmendi, Fatos Tabaku and Mariola Sallauka,
Dear attendees,
Ladies and gentleman,
Today we are here in front of you with a great team of champions. With a team that made us proud around the world, wherever it goes. From Rio to Tokyo, and from Tokyo to Paris.
This time, the leaders of our sporting success at the Paris Olympics were our two judokas, Distria Krasniqi and Laura Fazliu.
With a lot of work and more discipline and always with dedication, our judo team managed to keep our tradition as a country, to win Olympic medals in every Olympics we have participated so far!
And at these Olympic Games in Paris, almost every one of our athletes has managed to break at
least one personal record:
● Distria is our first athlete to have two Olympic medals, one gold and one silver;
● Nora: the first Kosovar athlete to mark triple participation in the Olympic Games, in Rio, Tokyo and Paris;
● Laura: our first judoka – Olympic medalist who is not from the city of Peja, but from Mitrovica. Therefore, Peja is not only water and mountains, but also a top school for our judokas.
● Loriana Kuka, proudly marked the end of her sports career as an elite judoka;
● Akili, who missed the chance to win a medal but remains the first athlete to reach the Olympic TOP 5 in men’s competition
● The record of our iron boxer, Donjeta: The first non-judoka athlete to participate in the Olympic games and the Olympic norm;
● The record of the 15-year-old talent, Hana: the youngest athlete who has ever represented Kosovo at the Olympic Games;
Our first Olympic gold, Majlinda Kelmendi, in Paris 2024 – sealed her new journey in the role of coach – she brought Kosovo Olympic bronze medals for the first time. Gold as a judoka, bronze as a coach.
Our master – Tony – completed the five rings of the Olympic Games with five Olympic medals. We now have Tony’s complete set of Olympic medals – 3 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze. Toni Kuka 5 medals.
Tony – after Laura’s medal, very excitedly said that his dream came true, giving him 5 Olympic medals. But Tony, since I know you’re listening very well, not only because I’m talking loudly and into a microphone here, I have to remind you that – The sixth medal is the sweetest dream!
So, the entire Olympic team, not only judo but also boxing, athletics, swimming and all other sports, keep working – because good dreams never end!
Dear guests who have come here, with joy and pride to welcome our Olympic team, as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, on behalf of all our citizens, I have the honor to congratulate you on your successes and welcome you back with full pride in your home. For the part of the team that is still in Paris, we welcome you with open arms in your beloved Kosovo.
This country, which you made proud, will always keep your way open to go as easily and as quickly as possible to other successes, to new successes.
It used to seem imaginary to think that Kosovo triumphs before the countries – which are world powers. However, now this fact has become a convincing reality, which all of us are enjoying, as long as the region and beyond are appreciating it.
These results are by no means random!
Together with the contribution given by everyone, especially the Kosovo Judo Federation, we created Olympic champions, and we will continue to create new champions in the future.
So, congratulations to you and all of Kosovo! We are eternally grateful!
May our successes be unstoppable.
Thank you very much everyone!
Last modified: August 7, 2024