Competing in the 50 to 54-year-old age group event, Cena won all five of his fights to grace the top of the podium.

The IJF's Executive Committee accepted Kosovo as a full member in April 2012, making it one of the first International Federations to do so.

Since then, under 52kg superstar Kelmendi, who represented Albania at London 2012, has won world titles in 2013 and 2014.

In December 2014, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) voted unanimously to accept Kosovo as a full member at its Session in Monaco

"I am very happy and proud, we’re one of the newest countries to be recognised by the IOC and I’m very happy that people can see all our judoka representing our country," said Cena, who beat Norway’s Alfredo Chinchilla for gold.

"I am very happy that IJF President Marius Vizer has helped us to be recognised and thankful to him as he has been a great supporter for Kosovan judo. 

"Since the IJF and Mr. Vizer recognised us we have been able to be successful in judo."

The newly-crowned world champion, who was supported by the Kosovo Police to compete in Amsterdam, spoke of the new status of the sport in his country following Kelmendi’s success.

"I enjoy watching all of the IJF events on the live stream, I look at everything," said Cena, who drove 2,400 kilometres from the Balkan Republic to compete in the Dutch capital.

"I am proud of Kosovo and now judo is hugely important to our country and very well-known.

"All the media will be waiting for me when I arrive home.

"I look forward to fighting at this competition next year and long into the future."

Meanwhile, M5 heavyweight Hendrik Koppe delivered a crowd-pleasing performance to win his sixth veteran crown on home soil

The long-time Dutch international judoka, who was recognised on Monday (September 21) for his services to judo with a special medal presentation, proved unbeatable with his power and frame too much for the opposition.

Koppe defeated Tajikistan’s Davlatshokh Bachabekov in the final, which was his fourth fight of the day.

Elsewhere, M4 middleweight Kozo Miyamoto of Japan produced an accomplished display despite having to settle for bronze.

The three-time Veteran World Championships winner, who went to the same school as double world bronze medallist and Rio 2016 hopeful Miko Tashiro, defeated The Netherlands’ Oscar Looman to earn a podium spot.

Miyamoto lost his semi-final to Sweden’s Johan Thorsman, who suffered defeat to Russia’s Sergey Sturbabin in the gold medal match.

A total of 788 judoka from 68 countries are competing at the Veteran World Championships, which are set to continue tomorrow.

To watch the latest action on Judo TV click here. 

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