Work has begun today on the expansion of the National Judo Center in Pejë.
This project aims to further advance the sport of judo and create modern facilities for Kosovar athletes. At the same time, it is seen as an important step toward strengthening Kosovo’s position on the international sports stage, building on previous Olympic and world successes.
At the cornerstone-laying ceremony, alongside the president of the Judo Federation, Agron Kuka, and coach Driton Kuka, Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Minister of Sports Blerim Gashani were also present.
The President of the Judo Federation, Agron Kuka, said this project will open new opportunities for all athletes practicing judo and aiming for elite success in Europe and the world.
“About 30 years ago, just a few meters from here, my father laid a cornerstone. It was the cornerstone of survival—the survival of the noble sport of judo after the public gyms were taken over by the Serbian occupiers. After liberation, at the same site, the hard work and sacrifices continued to represent our state around the world, leading to peak achievements, including five Olympic medals, dozens of European and world medals, and hundreds of other international successes. Not only did the international sports community recognize the potential of a new state, but curiosity also grew about what was behind this. That curiosity was resolved in 2021 when the name of our brother, Driton ‘Toni’ Kuka, shone as the best coach in Europe and the world, declared by both the European and World Federations. This cornerstone is being laid for greater opportunities, both in developing the sport and promoting our country through international training and competition events. One of these will be hosting the prestigious Mediterranean Games in judo and karate,” Kuka emphasized.
Meanwhile, Kosovo’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti highlighted the importance of the investment and the standards this project will bring. He stated that the expansion will include modern sports and supporting infrastructure, creating facilities of international standard and turning the center into a reference point for sports, as well as economic and tourism development.
“This center, where we are currently located, was inaugurated in September 2021. Part of the path toward Olympic medals in Paris 2024 has been paved right here. The rest was achieved under more difficult conditions, but through hard work and dedication, this exceptional judo team has brought Olympic gold medals from Rio and Tokyo. With the relentless commitment of the Judo Federation to elevate Kosovo further, under the ‘Kosovo, a Judo State’ program, we are starting this new investment today. This project includes a new international-standard judo gym, a multifunctional building with accommodation, a swimming pool, a fitness hall, and a restaurant. The project will create conditions for Kosovar judo to continue progressing, strengthen its role as a training center in Europe, and simultaneously contribute to the growth of sport, tourism, and the economy in our country. Here, in the new judo hall, martial arts competitions will also be held as part of the Mediterranean Games 2030,” Kurti announced.
On the other hand, the world’s best judo coach, Driton Kuka, described this moment as the culmination of long and collective work.
He emphasized that this cornerstone represents a seal of years of sacrifice and a major step toward creating conditions equal to the strongest countries in the world for judo.
“For me, today is a special day because this cornerstone is not just the start of a building—it is the seal of long work and sacrifice we have made as a team, as a family, and as a state. This expansion of the National Judo Center will allow us to have conditions equal to the world’s leading sports powers. Until now, we have achieved miracles in modest facilities, but with this investment, we are opening doors for new generations to dream and reach the top of the world. Kosovar judo is already a global brand. This center will serve as an academy where our champions will grow, and judo athletes from around the world will come to learn from us. This is a shared success of athletes, coaches, and our institutions that understand the importance of investing in our youth,” Driton Kuka stated.
The national center is also expected to greatly benefit judo and karate athletes who will represent Kosovo in the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030.”
