Krasniqi and Berisha received the top prizes at the KOC's Laureate awards ceremony, held without guests because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Krasniqi, a World Championships bronze medallist, claimed the Female Athlete of the Year award.

The 25-year-old won the bronze medal in the under-48 kilograms category at last year's European Championships and gold at International Judo Federation Grand Slam events in Paris and Budapest.

"Although it was a difficult year for everyone, it was a very successful year for me, as I came back with medals from all the competitions I participated in," said Krasniqi. 

"I ended the year on top of the world and Olympic rankings."

Berisha earned the Male Athlete of the Year award after helping Kosovo record two victories in pre-qualification for the 2023 International Basketball Federation World Cup.

Kosovo failed to progress to the second round after finishing bottom of their four-team group behind Luxembourg, Slovakia and Iceland.

The men's basketball team also took the Male Team of the Year prize, with the women's award going to the national football squad.

Driton Kuka, who trains Krasniqi, received the Coach of the Year award, while the Special Award went to international boxing referee Latif Demolli.

KOC President Besim Hasani thanked Kosovan athletes for their efforts in 2020 amid the challenges posed by the coronavirus crisis.

The awards ceremony was attended by several prominent officials, including Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo Avdullah Hoti.