KOK says contact to enable Kosovo boxers participating in Belgrade

Kosovo's Olympic Committee has reacted after Kosovo boxers were not allowed to go to Belgrade, due to state symbols in their uniforms.

Kosovo's “Olympic Committee with great concern has hosted news that Kosovo's boxing expedition has not been allowed to enter Serbia to participate in the World Boxing Championship, from 24 October to 6 November 2021, held in Belgrade, Serbia”, the report said.

“Exped of boxing was launched in the early hours of the morning to cross across the border to Koncul, but despite multihour expectations, Serbian police have not allowed their entry, which has led the boxing expedition back to Pristina”.

“Directors of the Kosovo Olympic Committee, President Ismet Krasniqi and Secretary-General Besim Aliti are in constant contact with the International Olympic Committee, so that an emergency solution can be found and Kosovo boxing team starts again towards Belgrade to compete equally with other participating states in the world”, the Committee has written, broadcast Klakosova.tv.

“The KOK has also contacted AIBA (World Box Fund) leaders, who have pledged to take immediate measures to enable our boxers access to Serbia and equal-right participation, as they have promised after continued contacts with the Kosovo Box Federation, with which KOK leaders are also in constant contact”.