11 December 2024 – IOC President Thomas Bach was in Pristina on Monday to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Kosovan National Olympic Committee (NOC). He was accompanied by the President of the European Olympic Committees, Spyros Capralos, and was welcomed in the capital by Kosovan NOC President Ismet Krasniqi.
Kosovo’s NOC was officially recognised early in President Bach’s term, in 2014, and the IOC President told the special gala, celebrating the anniversary, that it was “a very emotional moment” for him to be there for this milestone. Also present at the event were the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani-Sadriu, the Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, athletes from Kosovo and representatives of NOCs from around the world.
Just before the gala dinner, President Bach met three of Kosovo’s Olympic medallists, all of them judokas and all of them women, including Majlinda Kelmendi, who won gold– Kosovo’s first Olympic medal – at the Olympic Games Rio 2016.
In her speech, the President of the Republic celebrated the “breakthrough moment” for her country and its athletes.
“This moment marks not only a decade of sporting achievements but also the resilience and determination of Kosovo to reach its goals. Ten years ago, this dream became a reality. Ten years ago, it was more than recognition; this event was a powerful message to the world,” she said. “Majlinda Kelmendi is the champion of our hearts,” she added.
For his part, Prime Minister Albin Kurti said: “During this decade, Kosovo has accomplished what once seemed impossible. From international recognition to participation and representation, and straight to winning an Olympic gold medal. Mr Bach, your unwavering support has been decisive in giving our athletes the opportunity to represent our country with dignity and pride. Thank you very much. Vielen Dank,” he added.
Finally, NOC President Ismet Krasniqi added: “Thomas Bach and the IOC opened a window of hope and opportunity for all Kosovars, giving voice to our unspoken dreams, a name to our movement, and a chance to be part of a global family—an Olympic Movement that embraced us without hesitation because it believed in us,” he said.
“When our hero, Majlinda Kelmendi, won the gold medal at Rio 2016, she lifted not just Kosovo’s flag but the hopes and dreams of an entire nation. And you, President Bach, were there—not only as a leader but as a true friend and a firm believer in the unifying and inspiring power of sport. Your remarkable act of leadership and support will forever hold a special place in our hearts.”
“Over these 10 years, the path has not always been easy. There have been challenges and moments of doubt, but above all, there has been unwavering belief and courage. Kosovo, though a small country, has demonstrated immense potential, an unbreakable spirit and boundless dreams,” he added.
Later, President Bach told the audience at the celebration:
“During my first visits to Kosovo, I met one of your athletes, Majlinda Kelmendi – a young judoka with extraordinary talent. Her biggest dream was to become Olympic champion – but she could not fulfil this dream as long as she was a citizen of a country without a recognised NOC,” he added.
“As we said goodbye that day, we shook hands and I promised her that if she did win the gold medal, I would personally award it to her. What an emotional moment it was for all of us when we met again at the podium, and I could present the gold medal to her. The very first Olympic champion from Kosovo in history.”
Earlier in the day, he met with the Prime Minister, Albin Kurti.
The Prime Minister emphasised the vital role that sport plays in society, saying: “Sport is indispensable for health, both physical and mental, as well as teaching values to our young people.”
He informed the President that his government was concentrating on sport in schools, linking education to the sports system and starting this education for younger children.
President Bach also visited the NOC headquarters, where he heard about the strategic plans to upgrade the country’s sporting infrastructure and try to increase the number of sports that Kosovan athletes can compete in at the Olympic Games.
