10 years since the internationalization of KOK, great successes and many broken barriers
Sport
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3 months ago
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The most eminent figures of world sports landed in Kosovo at the invitation of the Olympic Committee (IOC) of Kosovo to celebrate together the 10th anniversary of the latter's membership in the International Olympic Committee.
The President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Thomas Bach, that of the European Olympic Committee, Spyros Capralos, the President of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games, Davide Tizzano, as well as the presidents of many international sports federations, and other personalities from world sports were part of this gala evening where this anniversary was celebrated with many successes of Kosovo in sports in the international arena.
Membership in the International Olympic Committee was described as a "historical event" for Kosovo by the president of the Kosovo Olympic Committee, Ismet Krasniqi. He said that even though Kosovo is a small country, it showed the world that with work, faith and dedication, something more can be achieved than can be imagined and that this will be proven in the coming years.
"During these 10 years, we know that the road has not always been easy, there have been challenges, there have been doubts, but more than anything else, there has been faith and courage...Kosova, even though it is a small state, has shown that it has a great potential an invincible castle and big dreams. Our five Olympic medals, four in the European Games, triumphs in the Mediterranean Games, successes in the world and European championships are proof that when we believe in ourselves no limit is impossible. We have proven that everything can be achieved, maybe even more than we thought, just by having faith and working with dedication", said Krasniqi.
The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani emphasized that this 10th anniversary finds Kosovo with many extraordinary successes achieved in sports.
She added that Kosovo's athletes are making an extraordinary journey around the world and that they are the main pillar and the best ambassadors of Kosovo and its image in the international arena, and this was proven with judoka Majlinda Kelmendi, who has already become an inspiration for young athletes all over the world.
"The journey of Kosovo's athletes has been extraordinary, from winning Olympic medals to proudly holding the flag on the international stage. They have shown the world who Kosovo really is... Our athletes have proven to be our best and most worthy ambassadors of Kosovo, that's why we are proud of every step, every competition and every goal they have achieved. This decade is full of achievements and unforgettable moments for the sport of Kosovo, in fact for every citizen of Kosovo, because through sport, Kosovo was placed on the global map in an extremely dignified way", stated Osmani.
And the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, said that this decade marked history not only for Kosovo but also for international sports because Kosovo won medals in its debut at the Olympic Games with champion Majlinda Kelmendi.
Kurti said that Kosovo will continue this successful journey with the organization of the Mediterranean Games in 2030, offering the readiness of the Government of Kosovo to strongly support the organization of these games.
"During this decade, Kosovo has achieved what once seemed impossible. From international recognition, to participation and representation and directly to Olympic gold medals. History for Kosovo, and history for international sports, where a country, in the debut of the Games, wins Olympic gold medals. Let me express the deepest gratitude to our champion, the courageous woman, the eagle of the Rugova mountains, our first Olympic gold, Majlinda Kelmendi. Her success not only raised Kosovo to the top of world sports, but also inspired generations of young people to dream and work towards greatness", said Kurti.
While the president of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach expressed his conviction that many more medals await Kosovo in the next 10 years.
"You will organize the Mediterranean Games in 2030 and if you do well in the organization of this event as you have done with these achievements in sports, I think this would also be a great success for Kosovo in the European family. Of course when we're here in 10 years celebrating the 20th anniversary of your Olympic Committee, I'm sure we'll be celebrating with more medals then, not only from these wonderful women in judo, but you'll also have men in judo and in other sports that will win medals. I don't want to take more time, congratulations for what you have done, congratulations Kosovo", Bach.
Otherwise, the Kosovo Olympic Committee joined the International Olympic Committee on December 9, 2014.
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