CEV President engages in high-profile conversations during historic visit to Kosovo

CEV President Roko Sikirić travelled earlier this week to Kosovo – the first time in history the highest authority in European Volleyball has visited the Balkan country – to attend the celebrations organised for the 10th anniversary since the official recognition of the Kosovo’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This was an opportunity for the newly elected CEV President to meet with some high-ranking sports and political authorities, including IOC President Dr Thomas Bach. 

“In our conversation, the IOC President did openly acknowledge his appreciation for Volleyball and for the immense transformation that our sport has undergone, as it was obvious when he witnessed the tremendous success of the Volleyball and Beach Volleyball competitions at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” the CEV President says. “Dr Bach also encouraged young leaders to take the lead and help grow the Global Volleyball Movement further.” 

A CEV President travelled to the Balkan country for the first time since the Balkan country joined the European Volleyball family back in 2016. The NOC-organised event provided a platform for productive and fruitful discussions with other internationally renowned sports authorities and personalities, such as European Olympic Committees (EOC) President Spyros Capralos, FIBA Europe President, former basketball star Jorge Garbajosa, and Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Mr Albin Kurti. 

While in Pristina for the event hosted by NOC of Kosovo President Ismet Krasniqi, the CEV President did also have a productive exchange with the President of the Kosovo Volleyball Federation, Mr Bahri Gjinovci. It is a truly pivotal moment for the local Volleyball family, since in the summer of 2025 the Balkan country will welcome the final stage of a continental championship when they co-host #EuroVolleyU16W together with their neighbours from Albania. 

The CEV President emphasised in all conversations the primary need to promote unity, solidarity and cohesion among all members of the Volleyball family to foster the further growth of the sport. Later this week, Mr Sikirić is due to pay a visit to Italy to meet with local Volleyball authorities in Milan.