A moment of pride, the five Olympic norms in judo are confirmed

There is no stopping the successes of Kosovar judo. They keep growing, while the five rates of judokas for the "Paris 2024" Olympic Games are a confirmation of this.

The International Judo Federation (IJF) through a letter sent to the president of the Kosovo Olympic Committee, Ismet Krasniqi, has confirmed that five Kosovo judokas are qualified for the Paris Olympics.

All of them have qualified directly, which is another indication that they had a successful qualification campaign.

Akil Gjakova is qualified in the category up to 73 kilograms, Distria Krasniqi in the category up to 52 kilograms, Nora Gjakova in the category up to 57 kilograms, Laura Fazliu  in the category up to 63 kilograms and Loriana Kuka in the category up to 78 kilograms.

All have potential for Olympic medals, which are the most valuable in sports.

"Preparations are going according to plan.  So far, everything is fine," said Driton Kuka, Kosovo's judo coach.

As before any big competition, coach Kuka is cautious in his predictions. He makes sure that the work is of the highest possible level and that the dedication and seriousness of the athletes is appropriate.

Kosovo has three Olympic gold medals. Obviously, all three in judo. In "Rio 2016", Majlinda Kelmendi won gold in the category up to 52 kilograms. Majlinda is now a trainer in Driton Kuka's staff. Nora Gjakova was also at the norm in Rio.

In "Tokyo  2020", held in 2021, gold medals were won by Distria Krasniqi in the category up to 48 kilograms and Nora Gjakova in the category  up to 57 kilograms.

At Tokyo rate  there were also Majlinda Kelmendi, Akil Gjakova and Loriana Kuka.

Again, Kosovo has won five rates, while Driton Kuka, already  has started work on identifying young judokas and preparing them for  to "attack" the norm for the 2028 Olympic Games.

But currently all the focus is on the Paris Games which are held in late July and early August.

In all other sports, Kosovo has only one Olympic norm. Boxer Donjeta Sadiku is also qualified. Even Donjeta is considered a medal contender.

But, once again, moments of pride for the country are expected from the judokas of master Kuka.