Judo and soccer
Since 2014, Kosovo is a full member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Kosovar athletes were able to compete for the first time in their history, under their colors, at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and even win a gold medal thanks to the judoka Majlinda Kelmendi. In August 2021 in Tokyo, Kosovo won two new Olympic medals thanks once again to judoka Distria Krasniqi and Nora Gjakova.
The Kosovars, also "passionate" about soccer, have been affiliated with UEFA and FIFA since 2016 and have since been able to participate in the Euro and World Cup soccer qualifiers. In order to improve the team and consider participating in a major competition one day, the federation hired former French legend Alain Giresse in March 2022.
Finally, the country's other major popular sport is basketball. Affiliated with FIBA, the international federation, Kosovo has yet to qualify for a major competition.
The Turkish struggle in Kosovo
Pehlivans are the participants in traditional Turkish wrestling(yağlı güreş). This sport, of Persian origin, arrived in Kosovo and especially in the southern region during the Ottoman conquest. Tournaments are still held in the Dragaš (Dragash) region and some villages in the Župa valley. The tournaments take place in a meadow, with the sound of traditional instruments (flutes and drums), adding a festive character to the event. Traditionally, a competition was held annually in Kosovo on May1st. Since the 1999 conflict, this is no longer true. However, tournaments are still regularly held on Dragaš Liberation Day (Dragash), June 16, or during religious and family celebrations such as circumcision ceremonies or weddings.
Nature and hiking
This is undeniably one of the main assets of Kosovo. The diversity of its landscapes, its mountains and the fauna and flora they shelter will delight the lovers of open air and wild nature. Three massifs offer hiking opportunities: the Albanian Alps National Park massif in the west, the Šar Mountains in the south and the Kopaonik massif in the north.
It is possible to do day hikes as well as itinerant hikes.
In any case, it is recommended to hire a local and experienced guide, as the paths are not always (often!) well marked. In the mountains, some small ski resorts, not always maintained, can be the occasion of some descents. But not much more...
Otherwise, many caves will also delight cavers, especially in the region of Peć (Pejë). Here again, the call of professionals is essential.
Finally, Kosovo also has a large number of waterfalls, lakes, hot springs and rivers for a little bath.
