Cyprus did not allow them to participate with state symbols, Kosovar karatekas did not travel at all
Express newspaper
08/02/2026 21:55
Kosovo karate players were absent from the European Karate Championships for cadets, juniors and the U21 age group, which was held over the weekend in Limassol, Cyprus, where over 1000 competitors from all over Europe participated.
Kosovo was not allowed to participate with state symbols in this event, while participation without symbols was not considered an option.
The Kosovo Karate Federation had received confirmation weeks earlier that the national team would not be allowed to compete on equal terms with other countries.
Because of this, it was decided that Kosovar karatekas would not travel to Cyprus to participate in the continental championship.
The decision to ban competition with state symbols was made by the Government of Cyprus and accepted by the European Karate Federation, leaving Kosovar athletes out of the competition that began on Friday and ended on Sunday.
Cyprus does not recognize the state of Kosovo and has continued its stance towards Kosovar athletes, excluding them from participating with state symbols in this championship./Express newspaper/