Distria Krasniqi and Akil Gjakova - Kosovo Athletes of the Year 2023. IJF

Judoka Distria Krasniqi and Akil Gjakova have been awarded the top prizes at a prestigious ceremony in Kosovo, the eighth annual event of its kind.

At the 'Laureates of 2023' awards evening, Distria Krasniqi received the 'Female Athlete of the Year' award, while Akil Gjakova was designed 'Male Athlete of the Year.' "This is an Olympic year and we are preparing extensively for the Paris Olympic Games, hoping to deliver a performance as impressive as that of Tokyo 2020," Krasniqi stated.

Distria Krasniqi with the bronze medal at the 2022 Judo World Championships. GETTY IMAGES
Distria Krasniqi with the bronze medal at the 2022 Judo World Championships. GETTY IMAGES

This is the fourth time that both Distria and Akil have been honoured as Kosovo's best sportsperson of the year. "It is a special feeling. I consider 2023 to be one of the best years of my career, especially with the European Open Championship in mind. This year, together with the team, we will try to put Kosovo on the highest Olympic pedestal once again," said Gjakova.

For the eighth time in a row, the 'Best Coach' award went to Driton Kuka, head coach of the Kosovo Judo National Team. "We are preparing for the Olympic Games and this year will be our fourth participation in the Olympics," said Kuka.

Akil Gjakova (in white) after taking down an opponent at Tokyo 2020. GETTY IMAGES
Akil Gjakova (in white) after taking down an opponent at Tokyo 2020. GETTY IMAGES

"Our third for the new country of Kosovo. 2023 brought me a different emotion because it was harder for me to watch Akil's in the European Open Championship final than the Olympic final," he stressed.