The Kosovo Olympic Committee held the 10th edition of the traditional “Laureates of the Year 2025” ceremony, honoring the most successful athletes and sports personalities of the past year.

In the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, President of the Kosovo NOC, Ismet Krasniqi, Minister for Sport and Youth Blerim Gashani, Secretary General of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games Iakovos Filippousis, and numerous distinguished guests from sport and public life, the main awards went to judo.

Distria Krasniqi and Akil Gjakova were named Female and Male Athlete of the Year, respectively. For both, it was the sixth consecutive time receiving this prestigious recognition. Their coach, Driton Kuka, was awarded Coach of the Year for the 10th time.

The Special Award (Men) went to Astrit Hasani, President of the Kosovo Weightlifting Federation, while the Special Award (Women) was presented to Laura Fazliu.

Football was recognized as National Team of the Year in both categories: Men: Senior National Team and Women: U-17 National Team. The Olympic Hope Awards were presented to: Bleron Ademi (taekwondo) and Enise Zijade (judo).

In his address, KOC President Ismet Krasniqi highlighted the athletes’ achievements, institutional support, and preparations for the Mediterranean Games Prishtina 2030.

Iakovos Filippousis received the Special Achievement Award for his contribution to the Mediterranean Games Prishtina 2030. The same award was presented to Olympic champion Nora Gjakova, who concluded her remarkable career last year.

The ceremony also recognized several federations and athletes for outstanding performances at European and World level competitions.