Construction work has officially begun on the expansion of the National Judo Center in Pejë, a project aimed at further developing judo in Kosovo and creating modern facilities for Kosovar athletes. The initiative is also seen as a key step toward strengthening Kosovo’s position in international sports, building on the country’s past Olympic and global successes.
The cornerstone ceremony was attended by the Judo Federation President, Agron Kuka, head coach Driton Kuka, Prime Minister Albin Kurti, and Minister of Sports Blerim Gashani.
Agron Kuka emphasized the project’s potential for opening new opportunities for all judo athletes aiming for elite success in Europe and globally.
“Thirty years ago, just meters from this site, my father laid a cornerstone during a time when public sports halls had been seized by the Serbian occupier. After Kosovo’s liberation, tireless work continued here, resulting in the country’s representation worldwide and culminating in five Olympic medals, dozens of European and World Championship medals, and hundreds of international achievements. In 2021, my brother Driton Toni Kuka was recognized as the best judo coach in Europe and the world by the European and World Judo Federations. Today, this new cornerstone will provide even greater opportunities, not only for sports development but also for promoting our country through international training and competition events, including the prestigious Mediterranean Games in judo and karate,” Kuka stated.
Prime Minister Albin Kurti highlighted the investment’s importance and the international standards it will bring. He noted that the expansion will feature modern sports infrastructure, creating conditions for international-level training and transforming the center into a reference point for sports, tourism, and economic development.
“This center, inaugurated in September 2021, has already played a pivotal role in preparing athletes for the ‘Paris 2024’ Olympics. Despite earlier challenges, the Kosovar judo team has achieved Olympic gold medals in Rio and Tokyo. With the unwavering commitment of the Judo Federation, we now begin this new investment, which includes: a new judo hall meeting international standards, a multifunctional building with accommodation, a swimming pool, a fitness hall, and a restaurant. This project will ensure that Kosovo judo continues its forward momentum, strengthening its role as a European training hub and contributing to the growth of sports, tourism, and the economy. It will also host martial arts competitions as part of the Mediterranean Games 2030,” Kurti said.
World-renowned coach Driton Kuka described the project as the culmination of years of collective effort and sacrifice.
“Today is special because this cornerstone represents not just the beginning of a building, but the culmination of years of dedication from our team, our families, and our country. This expansion will allow us to provide conditions equal to the world’s leading judo nations. Until now, we have achieved remarkable results in modest facilities, but with this investment, we open doors for future generations to dream and reach the world’s top. Kosovo judo is now a global brand. This center will serve as an academy not only for nurturing our champions but also for attracting judokas from around the world to learn from us. It is a shared success of athletes, coaches, and institutions recognizing the importance of investing in our youth,” Kuka added.
The expanded National Judo Center will also serve judo and karate athletes representing Kosovo at the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030.”
