Distria Krasniqi has been included in the Top 10 of the prestigious “Balkan Athlete of the Year” 2025 survey, organized by the Bulgarian Telegraph Agency (BTA). The Kosovar judoka ranked among the region’s most outstanding athletes thanks to her success as European champion and World runner-up in the under-52 kilogram category.

In the 52nd edition of this traditional survey, national news agencies from across the Balkan region participated, including KosovaPress. According to BTA, “a total of 47 athletes were nominated” this year, while the final winner and full ranking will be announced on February 16 in Sofia, the date in 1898 when BTA published its first news bulletin.

In addition to Distria Krasniqi, the Top 10 of 2025 included major names in world sports such as Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, David Popovici, and Alperen Şengün. The awards ceremony will be held on February 16, 2026, in Sofia, where BTA has invited representatives of participating agencies to celebrate the best athletes of the Balkans.

KosovaPress