An unprecedented event has hit Kosovo sports. Three young taekwondo athletes, part of the official Team Kosovo team, have spent the night in the reception of a hotel in China, without rooms, without support and without basic conditions, while representing the country at the World Championships and Grand Slam Challenge.
Among them was Mal Sahiti, an athlete in the -74 kg category, known for his numerous international representations.
The images showing athletes with bags on the floor and tired bodies on couches have caused shock and anger in public opinion.
According to parents and sources from the Federation, disagreements between the leaders of the Kosovo Taekwondo Federation (FTWK) and persons without legal mandate led to this absurd situation, where the athletes were left without rooms in the official competition hotel.
Former chairman Arsim Agushi and his associate Rilinda Gjonbalaj are accused of refusing to pay for the athletes’ accommodation, despite a clear order from the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports.
In his reaction, the Minister of Sports stated that “no Kosovo athlete should be left on the streets”, guaranteeing immediate handling of the case and an institutional investigation.
Despite this painful experience, the athletes showed extraordinary strength.
Jon Gashi achieved fifth place in the Grand Slam Challenge, the highest result in the history of Kosovar taekwondo, while Mal Sahiti climbed to 36th place in the world rankings, making history for Kosovo.Telegraph/