IJF President Marius Vizer has been honoured by the Kosovo Olympic Committee ©IJF

International Judo Federation (IJF) President Marius Vizer has received a Prominent Recognition Award from the Kosovo Olympic Committee.

The award was presented to Vizer as Kosovo celebrated their two year anniversary of International Olympic Committee (IOC) membership.

Following a special reception at the Kosovo National Olympic Committee office and the office of Isa Mustafa, the Prime Minister of The Republic of Kosovo, Vizer attended a gala dinner in Pristina, the country’s capital city.

Kosovo became members of the IJF in 2012 as judo’s world governing body was one of the first International Federations to grant the country full membership.

Vizer has since made numerous visits to Kosovo as a long-time supporter of the country and the Kosovo Judo Federation.

Majlinda Kelmendi, Kosovo's first Olympic gold medallist, received a gift from Marius Vizer ©Getty Images
Majlinda Kelmendi, Kosovo's first Olympic gold medallist, received a gift from Marius Vizer ©Getty Images

The IJF President made a number of presentations on his visit before delivering an IOC pin to Majlinda Kelmendi.

She ensured a memorable first Olympic Games for Kosovo at Rio 2016, when she won judo gold inside Carioca Arena 2 in the 52 kilogram class. 

Vizer then awarded the IJF Symbol, a special statue of judo founder Jigoro Kano, to the Prime Minister.

Both CK Wu, the International Boxing Association (AIBA) President and IOC Executive Board Member, and Besim Hasani, Kosovo National Olympic Committee President, also received the a pin.

Memli Krasniqi, the Kosovo Minister for Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, and vice president of the Kosovo Judo Federation, received the IJF gold medal which was dedicated to the country's national federation.