Kosovo’s Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports Hajrulla Çeku unveiled the initial concept for hosting the Mediterranean Games in Pristina in 2030.

Çeku hailed the opportunity to host these games in Kosovo as a historic achievement for the country’s sports community.

The concept that secured Kosovo’s hosting rights, with potential for further development, is centered on holding the games across two countries and 11 municipalities, including 10 within Kosovo and the city of Durrës in Albania.

According to the minister, the plan envisions competitions taking place across 24 sports facilities, with 10 of them undergoing renovation, including the fire-damaged hall at the Palace of Youth and Sports. Additionally, four brand-new venues will be constructed, alongside the national stadium and the Olympic pool complex.

Çeku highlighted that five sports facilities are already under construction, including stadiums in Gjilan and Mitrovica.

Temporary investments will be directed toward sports such as basketball, swimming, and cycling.

During the presentation, the minister outlined the distribution of sports events across Kosovo:

• 25% of the events will be held in Pristina,
• 9% in Podujeva, Gjakova, and Peja,
• 6% in Prizren, Gjilan, and Mitrovica,
• 3% in Skenderaj, Drenas, Ferizaj, and Durrës,
• The allocation for the remaining 16% will be determined after assessing the new infrastructure.

Furthermore, there are plans for the complete renovation and expansion of the Student Center in Pristina, which will serve as the Mediterranean Village during the Games.

Çeku also mentioned that a special law for the Mediterranean Games 2030 will be drafted, an organizing committee will be established for these Games, and a master plan will be developed.

“This international accomplishment for our country underscores the fact that sports are a top national priority within our government,” Çeku emphasized.

The decision to host these Games was made by the General Assembly of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games (ICMG) during a meeting held in Heraklion, Greece, on September 8.

The Mediterranean Games are held once every four years and represent a significant multisport event for countries in the Mediterranean region, second only to the Olympic Games.

These Games encompass more than 25 disciplines, featuring athletes from African, Asian, and European nations with access to the Mediterranean region.

The previous host for this prestigious event was Oran, Algeria, last year.