During the past weekend, the 1st Balkan Training Camp was held in Golem, Albania, organized by the Judo Federation of Kosovo and the Balkan Judo Association (BJA).
The camp was led by the world-renowned coach Driton Kuka, BJA Vice President for Sports, who focused his training program on improving the technical and tactical elements that occur in real competitive situations.
The training process, conducted by this distinguished judo expert, was characterized by the application of the most modern training methods and contemporary advancements in judo practice, providing participants with an exceptional experience of working at the highest international level.
The camp was attended by President of BJA, Mr. Branislav Crnogorac and the First Vice President BJA, Mr. Vladimir Trpanoski.
The camp gathered 60 competitors from five member countries of the Balkan Judo Association: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Kosovo.
In addition to the member countries, a guest team from Sweden also participated, led by Tara Babulfath, bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
A special guest was Nami Nabekura from Japan, former World Champion.
The camp was also joined by numerous judo legends and heroes, including:
- Majlinda Kelmendi, Olympic Champion, who assisted Driton Kuka,
- Distria Krasniqi, Olympic Champion and current Vice World Champion,
- Laura Fazliu, bronze medalist from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games,
- Akil Gjakova, European Champion,
as well as many other top-level athletes whose participation contributed greatly to the camp’s quality and success.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Judo Federation of Kosovo for their outstanding technical organization and hospitality.
All participants were accommodated in a four-star hotel that offered excellent conditions — from comfortable and modern rooms to high-quality and diverse meals.
The organization of training sessions, activity schedules, and technical support were all at the highest professional level, contributing to an excellent atmosphere and working environment throughout the camp.
The host demonstrated remarkable dedication, discipline, and kindness, setting a high standard for future events of this kind.
The camp was also visited by Agron Kuka, Sports Director of the EJU and President of the Judo Federation of Kosovo.
During the camp, a working meeting of part of the BJA leadership was held, attended by:
- Mr. Branislav Crnogorac, President,
- Mr. Vladimir Trpanoski, First Vice President,
- Mr. Driton Kuka, Vice President for Sports.
In consultation via phone with other members of the BJA Executive Board, they worked on preparations for the upcoming Board meeting. The main topics included the draft of the BJA competition calendar and various current issues.
It was noted that the host for the Balkan Senior Championship has not yet been determined, with the hope that interested candidates will soon come forward for this important event.
The Balkan Training Camp in Golem once again demonstrated how crucial regional cooperation and knowledge exchange are for the development of judo in this part of Europe.
The camp provided young athletes with the opportunity to train alongside world-class champions, share experiences, and improve their skills in a spirit of international friendship and sportsmanship.
Participants expressed great satisfaction with the quality of training, atmosphere, and overall conditions, as well as the hope that similar projects will continue in the future — strengthening unity and raising the overall level of Balkan judo.
Once again, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the technical organizers — the Judo Federation of Kosovo and the Balkan Judo Association — for the exceptional realization of the training process under the expert guidance of one of the world’s best judo coaches, Mr. Driton Kuka.
His knowledge, experience, and approach to training inspired all participants, confirming once again that top results are achieved through top methodology, dedication, and passion for the sport of judo.