International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) President Davide Tizzano has hinted that Kosovo could soon be in line to host the Mediterranean Games.
Tizzano also led a delegation received by Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani. who spoke of Kosovo’s struggle for independence and the country’s love for sport.
“Due to the investment in infrastructures, Kosovo, together with the neighbouring countries will be ready to organise the Mediterranean Games,” Tizzano said at the ICMG Executive Committee meeting in the Kosovan capital Pristina, the first such meeting there.
Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOC) President Ismet Krasniqi and general secretary Besim Aliti also joined the reception at the Presidential offices.
Kosovo were admitted to the ICMG in time to makes its debut at the 2018 Mediterranean Games in Tarragona, two years after their Olympic debut at Rio 2016, though a dispute with the Spanish Government controversially forced them to march behind the KOC flag instead of their national flag at the Opening Ceremony.
In a Bureau meeting described as a "great success," the ICMG also launched the bidding processes for the 2027 Mediterranean Beach Games and the 2030 Mediterranean Games.
ICMG secretary Iakovos Filippousis invited Osmani to visit the 2023 Beach Games to be held in Heraklion, are set to begin on September 2 next year.
The ICMG would like to thank @NOCKOSOVO for the great hospitality. Two days of productive discussions and hopeful decisions for the #Mediterraneanfamily. Thank you President Ismet Krasniqi and Secretary General Besim Aliti 🙏🙏🙏#ICMG #MediterraneanGames #ExCo pic.twitter.com/nZya3jDAmQ
— International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (@cijmmedgames) December 11, 2022
The ICMG also held talks with Kosovo Culture Yuth and Sports Minister Hajrullah Çeku and Deputy Minister Daulina Osmani.
Tizzano announced the award of the ICMG Order of Merit to Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune in recognition of the 2022 Mediterranean Games in Oran.
ICMG Sports Programme Commission President Mr. Mohamed Zribi was also recognised.