On the 11th anniversary of the Kosovo Olympic Committee’s (KOC) membership in the International Olympic Committee (IOC), former KOC president Besim Hasani told KosovaPress about one of the longest and most difficult processes in Kosovar sports: the 18-year lobbying effort to become part of the Olympic family.
He explained that from the beginning, he believed sports could do more for Kosovo than just winning medals and achieving results. According to him, even in moments when there seemed to be no hope, the idea was clear: the sports community needed to act, push processes forward, and contribute to Kosovo being recognized internationally.
“The lobbying lasted 18 years. 18 years we lobbied. Perhaps the light at the end of the tunnel, the kind that guides you like a compass, was never seen. Maybe the light wasn’t visible, but a conviction was created in my mind that we shouldn’t wait for the state of Kosovo to become independent or join the United Nations first. The idea was: Can we, as the sports community, do something to help the state? And that alone was the driving force, the sustainability that allowed us to persist until the final recognition, never being certain it would actually happen,” Hasani said.
He also recounted the historic moment of the vote in Monaco, when Kosovo was accepted into the IOC without any opposition. Hasani recalled that when asked, “Any objections?”, no one raised their hand. Even when asked, “Any abstentions?”, again no one responded.
“And when they asked, ‘Any objections?’ no one raised their hand. ‘Any abstentions?’ no one raised their hand. Even President Thomas Bach was surprised, just like all of us. Then our delegation was given the floor to speak and thank those who contributed,” Hasani recalled.
Hasani emphasized that sports tell the best story of the Republic of Kosovo. He highlighted that, beyond numerous international medals, Kosovar sports have brought values of conduct, professionalism, and dignified representation on the global stage.
“Sports is the best story of the Republic of Kosovo. Let competent people analyze this, but I say with full responsibility that we are the best story in the Republic of Kosovo. Of course, beyond the medals won, because it’s not just about medals. Medals are important, but it’s also about transmitting genuine values of behavior, attitude, and the conduct of athletes and the sports community in general. Look, today we have numerous references internationally. We have various delegates, and we also have leaders of our sports organizations who are successfully members of boards at the European level, as well as in the Paralympic movement,” Hasani concluded.
Over these 11 years, Kosovar athletes have shined on the international stage, bringing Kosovo five Olympic medals, which remain among the greatest achievements the country has experienced.
In addition, there are dozens of world, European, and Mediterranean medals, reflecting the continuous growth, talent, and dedication of each athlete.
