Kosovo looks ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games

The Government of Kosovo has greenlit the "Super Athletes" program, aimed at boosting Olympic norms and medal counts for Kosovo at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

With a budget of four million euros, the initiative primarily targets Olympic sports, drawing heavily from the success of judo. Spearheaded by Driton Kuka, a three-time Olympic gold medalist in judo, the program was crafted collaboratively by professionals from the Kosovo Olympic Committee, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, and sports journalism.

Hajrullah Çeku, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, emphasized that "Super Athletes" seeks to provide sustainable support for athletes with high potential to excel in international sports events. Deputy Minister Daulina Osmani added that the program aims not only for success at LA 2028 but also for increased medal tallies at World Championships, European Championships, and the Mediterranean Games.

The approval of the program has garnered praise from the Kosovo Olympic Committee, with President Ismet Krasniqi noting that such support, alongside Olympic scholarships and Olympic hopes, underscores the Government's commitment to advancing sports and securing more Olympic norms and medals.

Kosovo, in just two Summer Olympic Games appearances, has clinched three Olympic gold medals, all in judo: one in Rio 2016 with Majlinda Kelmendi and two in Tokyo 2020 with Distria Krasniqi and Nora Gjakova. For the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Kosovo boasts five judokas within the qualifying quota and one qualified boxer.