Kosovo’s judo coach, Driton Kuka, has warned of what he considers a “major setback” in Kosovo sport, criticizing the lack of focus on Olympic qualification standards across most federations.

In a Facebook post, Kuka said a country’s sporting level is measured, among other things, by the Olympic standards its athletes achieve.

He highlighted judo’s contribution, saying the sport has produced the majority of Kosovo’s Olympic standards and medals to date.

“The judo team has been starting the Olympic qualifying cycle for #LA2028 for several months now. I strongly believe that Distria, Laura and Akili will achieve qualification. I really hope that we will have one more standard,” Kuka wrote.

He also mentioned Shpat Zeka as a potential qualifier, but stressed that this would depend on the athlete’s commitment.

“Based on his form and dedication, Shpat would probably have a real chance. But only if he is dedicated!” he said.

Kuka added that other athletes he had expected to approach the Olympic standards are currently far from achieving them.

“Other competitors I thought would approach the Norm are currently far from this goal. Goals are achieved with work and dedication, not with words and improvisations,” he wrote.

According to Kuka, participation in the Olympic Games should be the main objective in Olympic sports.

“In Olympic Sports, the goal is the Olympic Games themselves!” he emphasized.

Regarding other sports, Kuka mentioned boxer Donjeta Sadiku, saying he expects her to qualify for the Olympics.

“In other sports, I believe that Donjeta will qualify and that concludes the number of athletes I see for the Olympic Games from our local production,” Kuka wrote.

Kuka also addressed the naturalization of athletes, noting that the practice is used in countries around the world.

“Naturalization or buying athletes happens all over the world. It is also happening here, but can we be proud or boast about these achievements? Definitely not!” he said.

He concluded by criticizing what he described as insufficient attention to Olympic standards among sports federations.

“What I see for me is a huge setback, considering that there is not even much talk about Olympic standards in Olympic federations!” Kuka wrote.

Kuka called on the Kosovo Olympic Committee to focus on the next Olympic cycle and preparations for the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

“The Olympic Committee should focus on Los Angeles 2028. This is Kosovo’s priority in sports: to demand responsibility from every athlete, especially those supported by Olympic Scholarships,” he concluded.