Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani awarded the Kosovo Honor Decoration to Hasan Arat, one of Türkiye’s most influential Olympic officials
The award recognizes Arat’s contributions to international sport and his support for Kosovo’s successful bid to host the Prishtina 2030 Mediterranean Games, reflecting the country’s gratitude through one of its highest honors.
Arat was the charismatic leader of Istanbul’s bid to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and was instrumental in securing the 2027 European Games in Türkiye’s largest city. This is widely viewed as an opportunity for Istanbul to showcase its credentials to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, as the competition to host the 2036 edition intensifies.
He currently serves as an Ex-Officio member of the European Olympic Committees Executive Board, a member of the Istanbul 2027 European Games Coordination Commission, and a member of the World Athletics Executive Board.
At the ceremony, Mr Arat emphasized that the honor represents the unifying power of sport, international solidarity, and the deep connections between countries, expressing his gratitude on behalf of his country, his family, and himself to President Osmani.
“I am proud to have received this honor from President Osmani, who has been a great supporter of sport in Kosovo,” Mr Arat said.
Sport has a unique power to bring communities together and contribute to a healthier world.I am sure the 2030 Mediterranean Games in Pristina will showcase Kosovo’s tremendous success in developing sport, and before then we look forward to welcoming a strong team from Kosovo to the 2027 European Games in Istanbul.”
President Osmani highlighted Arat’s role in promoting Kosovo on the international sporting stage and strengthening the country’s candidacy for the 2030 Mediterranean Games, noting the lasting impact of the event for the nation and its youth, as well as its contribution to Olympic values such as fair play, discipline, equality, and peace.
The ceremony, held at the Presidency of the Republic of Kosovo, was attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Kosovo, as well as officials from the Kosovo Olympic Committee.
The Kosovo Honor Decoration has previously been awarded to notable figures including former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton; former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair; and in the sporting world, FIFA President Gianni Infantino.