WKF President Antonio Espinós Attends 10th Anniversary Celebration of Kosovo Olympic Committee's Recognition by the IOC
12/11/2024
WKF Structure
The 10th anniversary of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) recognition of the Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOK) was celebrated with a prestigious gala attended by prominent sports and national officials. WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós and EKF General Secretary and WKF Executive Committee member Davor Cipek represented Karate at the event.
Among the distinguished guests were Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, IOC President Thomas Bach, President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Spyros Capralos, President of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) Davide Tizzano, and KOK President Ismet Krasniqi, among many other sports and national officials.
The gala highlighted the impressive achievements of the Kosovo Olympic Committee over the past decade. During the event, the WKF recognised the Karate Federation of Kosovo for its significant progress and contributions to the development of karate in the country. This recognition reflects the federation’s role in nurturing local talent and supporting the broader sports movement in Kosovo.
On the occasion of the celebration, Mr Espinós and Mr Cipek had the opportunity to hold meetings with EOC President Spyros Capralos, with the European Games 2027 in Istanbul, Turkiye on top of the agenda, and with ICMG President Davide Tizzano to discuss the Mediterranean Games 2026 in Taranto, Italy, among many other highlights of the events.
WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós said:
“Karate has been a driving force in Kosovo’s sports development. The fact that both the President of the Kosovo Olympic Committee, Ismet Krasniqi, and its General Secretary, Besim Aliti, held key positions in the Karate Federation of Kosovo before joining the KOK is a testament to karate’s lasting impact in the country. This celebration is not just about looking back on 10 successful years of the Kosovo Olympic Committee but also about recognising the growing importance of sport, and karate in particular, in shaping the nation’s future.”
“Our recognition of the Karate Federation of Kosovo and its president Besart Baruti reinforces the WKF’s commitment to supporting national federations and promoting the sport worldwide. This acknowledgement also reflects the WKF’s broader mission to foster inclusion, growth, and excellence in karate.
Top picture: From left to right: EKF General Secretary and WKF Executive Committee Davor Cipek; President of the Kosovo Olympic Committee and former president of the Kosovo Karate Federation Ismet Krasniqi, WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós, and Kosovo Olympic Committee General Secretary and former Kosovo Karate official Besim Aliti.
EKF General Secretary and WKF Executive Committee Davor Cipek and WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós met with the President of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) Davide Tizzano.
EKF General Secretary and WKF Executive Committee Davor Cipek and WKF and EKF President Antonio Espinós had a high-profile gathering with the President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC) Spyros Capralos.