IJF President, Marius Vizer, Visited Kosovo

Kosovo, Dec 16, 2014: On December 15th, the IJF President Marius Vizer, was invited by the highest authorities of the Republic of Kosovo to personally thank him for his contribution to the recognition of the Kosovo Olympic Committee.

Marius Vizer congratulated the country for achieving full membership of the International Olympic Committee and awarded the ‘Prestige Best Female Athlete of the Year 2014’ to double World Champion Majlinda Kelmendi. During his historical visit, Marius Vizer met with the President of the Republic of Kosovo, Madam Atifete Jahjaga.

Since the IOC Session ratified the Executive Board decision in Monaco last week, Kosovo will now complete at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with Majlinda Kelmendi as its main chance for medal and as a true ambassador for sports. The young athlete, who turned 23 in May and who has been a pivotal booster for her country’s sporting standing, is now set to be the flagbearer in Brazil. The IJF was one of the first International Federations to recognise the Republic of Kosovo as they were accepted as a full member by the IJF Executive Committee in April 2012.

The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Madam Atifete Jahjaga, presented the IJF President Marius Vizer, with a Presidential Medal of Merit for his great contribution to internationalize Kosovo in sports.In turn Mr. Vizer presented the IJF Gold Medal to The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Madam Atifete Jahjaga, before presenting a $50,000 cheque to Majlinda Kelmendi who finished top of the IJF’s new Prestige World Ranking List with 4230 points.

During the press conference that was held at the end of the day, Marius Vizer also recognized Anton Cena, who the IJF President helped to establish a new dojo in Kosovo, by presenting him with an IJF Special Recognition Award in front of a mass of national and international media.

Then Marius Vizer accompanied by Kosovo Olympic Committee President, Besim Hasani, presented a signed copy of the application of Kosovo to join the IOC to conclude proceedings as the collaboration between the IJF and Kosovo Judo Federation has helped to pave the way for their hugely-talented judo team to compete at the Olympics. —- IJF