Peja, 18 March 2026
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, together with the Minister of Sport, Blerim Gashani, other members of the government cabinet, the President of the Kosovo Judo Federation, Agron Kuka, and judo head coach Driton Kuka, laid the foundation stone for a project worth more than €5.7 million for the expansion of the National Judo Center in Peja.
“Today, here in Peja, in the neighborhood of world champions, we are not only laying a foundation stone. Today, we are continuing the success of Kosovo judo,” Prime Minister Kurti emphasized, adding that judo is the greatest success Kosovo has built as a state in sport.
Prime Minister Kurti said that part of the journey toward the Olympic medals at Paris 2024 Olympic Games was built in this very center, which was inaugurated in September 2021.
“With the tireless commitment of the Judo Federation to elevate Kosovo even further, within the program ‘Kosovo, State of Judo’, today we are launching this new investment. This project includes: a new judo hall built to international standards; and a multifunctional facility that includes accommodation, a swimming pool, a fitness hall, and a restaurant,” said Prime Minister Kurti.
He stressed that investments under the program “Kosovo, State of Judo,” including this project worth over €5.7 million, are a response to the successes and results that judo has brought to Kosovo.
The new sports hall within the National Judo Center will also host combat sports competitions as part of the Mediterranean Games 2030.
The President of the Kosovo Judo Federation, Agron Kuka, thanked the Prime Minister and the Government of Kosovo for the investment, which provides young people with opportunities for development and for promoting the country. He also recalled memories from the time of occupation, when the difficult journey toward glory and Olympic medals began in a small private gym.
Alongside expressions of gratitude, judo head coach Driton Kuka addressed the athletes, saying: “The state is now investing very seriously in you, and you must return it through work, dedication, and results.”
On this occasion, Prime Minister Kurti greeted athletes from Ukraine who are training at the National Judo Center in Peja. They thanked Prime Minister Kurti and Kosovo for the support and hospitality, saying they feel safe and at home.
Full speech of Prime Minister Kurti:
Honorable Mr. Blerim Gashani, Minister of Sport and Youth,
Honorable Mr. Elbert Krasniqi, Minister of Local Government Administration,
Honorable Ms. Daulina Osmani, Deputy Minister of Sport and Youth,
Honored Kuka brothers, Agron and Driton,
Dear Olympic champions, Majlinda, Distria, Nora and Laura,
Other judokas, world and European champions,
Honorable Municipal Director of Peja, Ms. Xhenet Syka,
Honorable representatives of institutions,
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear attendees,
Today, here in Peja, in the neighborhood of world champions, we are not only laying a foundation stone. Today, we are continuing the success of Kosovo judo by launching the works for the expansion of the National Judo Center.
Judo is the greatest success we have built and demonstrated as a state in sport. The international results of our judo are proof of daily work and continuous dedication.
This center where we stand today was inaugurated in September 2021. Part of the journey toward the Olympic medals in Paris 2024 was paved right here. The other part was achieved in more difficult conditions — but through hard work and dedication, this extraordinary judo team brought Olympic gold medals from Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
With the tireless commitment of the Judo Federation to elevate Kosovo even further, within the program “Kosovo, State of Judo,” today we are launching this new investment. This project includes:
- a new judo hall built to international standards;
- a multifunctional facility including accommodation, a swimming pool, a fitness hall, and a restaurant.
The project will create the conditions for Kosovo judo to continue progressing, strengthen its role as a training center in Europe, and at the same time contribute to the development and advancement of sport, tourism, and the economy in our country.
Right here, in the new judo hall, combat sports competitions will also be held as part of the Mediterranean Games 2030.
Since 2021, the existing center has continuously hosted athletes and teams from various countries around the world for training camps with our champions. Currently, athletes from Ukraine are training here, which proves that Peja has become a place where judo unites and builds bridges beyond borders. I warmly greet all athletes from Ukraine. Slava Ukraini.
Investments within the program “Kosovo, State of Judo,” including this project worth over €5.7 million, are a response to the success and results that judo has brought to Kosovo. In this case, institutions are doing what they should: investing where there is value and where there are results.
Kosovo is now recognized as a country of judo champions. Our duty is to turn this success into a system and continue this story for many years to come.
I express my gratitude to each and every one of you for your work and contribution to this project.
Congratulations to all of you, and I wish you further success.
Thank you!
