“Athletes of the Year 2020” in Kosovo

The Kosovo Olympic Committee organised the fifth edition of the Laureates ceremony “Athletes of the Year 2020”

Judoka Distria Krasniqi who won the European bronze medal in Prague and two gold medals at the Grand Slams of Paris and Budapest last year received “Female Athlete of the Year” award and basketball player Berisha got “Male Athlete of the Year.”

“Although it was a difficult year for everyone, it was a very successful year for me, as I came back with medals from all the competitions I participated in. I ended the year on top of the world and Olympic rankings”, said Krasniqi.

Berisha, nominated by the Basketball Federation of Kosovo, during 2020 contributed to Kosovo’s two victories in the pre-qualifications of the 2023 World Cup. Berisha thanked the NOC for the award and BFK for the support while dedicating the prize to the family.

The ceremony was attended by the acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Avdullah Hoti, the interim Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Vlora Dumoshi, MP Saranda Bogujevci, as well as selected Laureates.

The NOC President, Besim Hasani, thanking the participants for the last year’s contribution, stressed that the year of 2020 was a successful year, even though the Covid-19 pandemic caused significant issues for the entire Olympic Movement in Kosovo.

The renowned international coach, Driton Kuka, won the “Coach of the Year” award for the fifth time. During 2020, Kuka won two European medals for seniors and two more for juniors, and he also won medals in the Grand Slam.

The “Special Award” went to international boxing referee Latif Demolli, who served as referee in the European Junior Championships finals.

For the second year in a row, the National Football Team won the National Team of the Year prize in the women’s competition, while the same award in the men’s competition went to the National Basketball Team.

“Olympic Hopes” in the women’s competition was awarded to judoka Laura Fazliu, who won this prize for the third time. In the men’s competition, the prize went to Betim Maliqi, karate.

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