Kosovo wins right to host major Taekwondo event

The Kosovo Taekwondo Federation (FTWK) has won the right to organize the European Taekwondo U21 Championship, which will be held from December 11-14 this year in Pristina.

This is the first time that Kosovo has been entrusted with organizing such an important international event in this sport, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

The president of the federation, Arsim Agushi, said in an interview with KosovaPress that around 50 countries from around the world will arrive in Pristina to participate in this championship.
“This is an official European championship, and nearly 50 countries, from ages 16 to 21, will participate. We are analyzing and looking for the most suitable location that meets the criteria,” says Agushi, noting that they now have two options: the Youth Palace and the ‘1 Tetori’ gym.

The FTWK president emphasized that this will be a unique opportunity for Kosovo’s Taekwondo athletes to showcase their abilities as they will have the chance to compete in all disciplines of the sport.

“This has been the goal I have worked towards, for Kosovo to have such an event where our athletes get a direct opportunity without any qualification as hosts. Every category will have a reserved spot for Kosovo, providing the biggest chance to showcase themselves because we have competed and continue to compete across Europe and the world, but now it’s the first time this championship is held at home, and I believe our athletes will feel even better and will strive to prove themselves before their own country,” Agushi continues.

However, the cost of organizing this event will be very high, and Agushi has asked for support from the Ministry of Sports, the Kosovo Olympic Committee, and the Municipality of Pristina.

“This event is very big, and the cost of organizing it is significant. But, in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, the Olympic Committee, and the Municipality of Pristina, we will try to carry it out as best as possible. We will host up to 1,000 athletes, as well as delegations, extra teams, staff... so, it’s a large number of people coming to Pristina,” says Agushi.

Beyond this championship, Agushi states that the long-term goal of the federation he leads is participation in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

“My goal is to popularize this sport, build human resource capacity, and develop infrastructure where coaches and athletes will have better conditions to develop the sport, which will impact results. Together with everyone, we will try to achieve this, and the main objective is the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, for which we plan to start preparations now. We have a very promising generation with potential to reach these objectives,” Agushi says.
In addition to Taekwondo, two weeks ago, Kosovo also won the right to organize the Mediterranean Karate Championship, which will take place in September this year.