In a remarkable display of skill and determination, the Kosovar judo team secured an impressive haul of one gold and three bronze medals at the European Judo Open held in Pristina today.

The standout performance of the championship came from Akil Gjakova, who clinched the gold in the under-73-kilogram category. In a challenging match, Gjakova emerged victorious in “Golden Score” with a waza-ari against Italian opponent Manuel Lombardo, igniting a fantastic atmosphere in the arena. Gjakova’s triumphant words resonated: “Kosovo is here!”

Gjakova’s journey to gold was marked by consecutive victories, showcasing his prowess on the mat. Alongside him, bronze medals were claimed by Distria Krasniqi, Nora Gjakova, and the surprise contender, Dardan Cena.

Distria Krasniqi secured her bronze in a hard-fought battle against Slovenian judoka Kaja Kajzer in “Golden Score.” Despite facing opponents in higher weight categories, Krasniqi’s determination prevailed. Nora Gjakova, another Olympic champion, also clinched a bronze by defeating French judoka Priscilla Gneto after an impressive run of four victories and one loss.

A delightful surprise of the championship was Dardan Cena, who earned a bronze medal by defeating Moldovan judoka Petru Pelivan.

The support from a large number of fans at the Palace of Youth and Sports in Pristina added to the jubilant atmosphere, underscoring the remarkable achievements of Kosovo’s judo athletes on the European stage.