In a remarkable sporting achievement, the Kosovo national karate team has earned significant recognition by winning nine medals at the Balkan Karate Championship for Cadets, Juniors, and U21, held in Rijeka, Croatia, reports albinfo.ch. This success marks a proud moment for Kosovo’s growing sports community and highlights the nation’s rising reputation in martial arts across the region.
The Kosovo delegation competed with passion, discipline, and resilience against some of the best young athletes from across the Balkans. Their impressive results — two gold, two silver, and five bronze medals — demonstrate the continuous improvement and dedication of Kosovo’s karate practitioners and coaches.
🥇 A Golden Moment for Kosovo
Among the gold medalists were Lanika Rexhepi, who triumphed in the cadet kumite +61 kg category, and Emira Maqedonci, who showcased outstanding skill and determination to win in the cadet kumite -47 kg division. Both young athletes proved that Kosovo’s new generation of karatekas is capable of competing at the highest level, representing their country with pride and professionalism.
Their victories did not come easily. Competing in tightly contested matches, they demonstrated technical excellence, tactical intelligence, and mental toughness. The gold medals serve as a powerful reminder of the growing strength of Kosovo’s female athletes in martial arts — a field traditionally dominated by men in many parts of the Balkans.
🥈 Silver Success and Team Strength
Kosovo also secured two silver medals, reflecting the depth and team spirit within the delegation. The female cadet team and Krenar Ismajli (cadet kumite -52 kg) both reached the finals after an impressive series of performances, narrowly missing out on gold.
These results underline the strong foundation of teamwork and mutual support among Kosovo’s athletes. The silver medalists, alongside their teammates, have contributed to a national success story that continues to inspire young sports enthusiasts across the country.
🥉 Bronze Medalists Shine with Pride
The competition also saw five bronze medals for Kosovo, achieved by:
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The female junior team
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Behije Mustafa – U21 kumite -68 kg
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Almir Pollomi – cadet kumite -57 kg
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Blerand Osmani – junior kumite +76 kg
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Alea Kelmendi – cadet kumite -61 kg
Each of these athletes delivered outstanding performances, reflecting both individual dedication and the effective preparation programs led by the Kosovo Karate Federation. Their achievements highlight that success in sport is not only measured by gold but also by perseverance, growth, and representation at the international level.
A Symbol of Kosovo’s Sporting Progress
This latest accomplishment is more than just a medal count — it symbolizes Kosovo’s continuous progress in international sports. The karate team’s success demonstrates how investment in youth development and sports education is paying off, as more athletes from Kosovo reach the podiums of major European competitions.
The discipline and respect inherent in karate reflect the values that Kosovo’s young athletes carry — values of perseverance, fairness, and national pride. Each medal won in Rijeka is a testament to years of training, dedication, and belief that Kosovo can stand shoulder to shoulder with other nations on the sporting stage.
🏆 Looking Ahead
Following this victory, the Kosovo Karate Federation aims to continue its focus on international tournaments and higher-level championships. With continued support from coaches, families, and institutions, Kosovo’s karate athletes are expected to reach new heights in the European and world arenas.
This Balkan Championship success serves as a motivational milestone — not only for those who competed but also for the next generation of karate practitioners in Kosovo. It inspires young athletes to pursue excellence, showing that determination and teamwork can turn dreams into reality.
📣 Conclusion
The nine medals won in Croatia — two gold, two silver, and five bronze — confirm that Kosovo is becoming a respected name in regional karate. The performance in Rijeka is a reflection of the athletes’ talent, hard work, and the nation’s growing commitment to sports development.
Kosovo’s karate team didn’t just return home with medals — they brought pride, hope, and proof that success is achievable through passion and perseverance.