The Spanish authorities have decided to allow athletes from Kosovo to compete under their own flag, symbols and national anthem. The decision was made immediately after the World Karate Championships held the country. During the championship Kosovo athletes, including the world champion Distria Krasniqi, were the only team with the “WKF“ (World Karate Federation) inscription on their kimonos, instead of the name of their state. They also did not have the right to use the Kosovo national anthem or the flag of Kosovo.
Kosovo sports delegations will be provided with appropriate visas from now on and will be allowed to use their national symbols, anthem and the flag, in accordance with the Olympic Protocol – a joint statement released by the Spanish Olympic Committee (COE) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reads.
„This will ensure that the athletes of Kosovo can participate under the same conditions as all the other athletes from the 206 National Olympic Committees recognized by the IOC,” the joint statement stated.
The decision was made yesterday by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs since the former IOC Vice President Juan Antonio Samaranch said the fact that Madrid does not recognize Kosovo is an obstacle to organizing sports events being held in Spain, following a complaint made by the Kosovo Olympic Committee.
The International Olympic Committee expressed gratitude for the decision adopted by the Spanish government, which also received the support of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
„Once again, the IOC and the COE wish to underline the fundamental role played by sport and the Olympic Movement in building a more inclusive, fairer society, in which dialogue and respect are the cornerstones and key principles” –the joined statement also underlined.
During the World Karate Championships, which were held this month in Madrid, the Kosovo delegation was not allowed to use its flag or anthem.
Spain is a harsh opponent of Kosovo’s independence.
Kosovo karate artists were unable to participate in the European Karate Championships held in Novi Sad in May this year. At the time, the national team of Kosovo tried to cross Merdare crossing twice, however, their entry was banned both times and their journey ended at this crossing.
Different information arrived from Belgrade and Pristina on what exactly happened. The Karate Federation of Kosovo then filed an appeal to the European Karate Federation.
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