Kosovo judoka Krasniqi is a bundle of energy

Mohammad Amin

DOHA: In her tiny frame, Kosovo judoka Distria Krasniqi is a bundle of energy.

The 25-yer-old showed why technique is so important in martial art after she landed with her third Masters gold at the International Judo Federation (IJF) World Masters Doha here on Monday night.

“I am delighted to win my third gold at the Masters. I am feeling very excited about it,” Krasniqi told KHEL UPDATES.

On her way to the U52 women’s final, the world No.1 had a flawless run against Marusa Stangar of Slovenia, Catarina Costa (Portugal) and Melanie Clement (France).

Asked why judokas from her country are so good, Distria said: “We have a very good coach (Driton Kuka). He has given everything for the sport. He has kept us together and we train very hard to achieve the success under his guidance over the years.”

In the final, Krasniqi enjoyed the upperhand against her Japanese opponent Funa Tonaki.

Happy with her effort, Krasniqi now trains her focus on the Tokyo Olympics, where she wants to win a gold.

“My aim will be to win a gold at the Olympics. I will be training very hard and will look to get a medal in Tokyo,” Krasniqi said.

In October 2020, she won gold at the Hungary Grand Slam and at Paris Grand Slam in February the same year.

She has a clear-cut message for Kosovo people and judokas.

“Work hard to achieve your dreams and not to give up. Even though we are a small country we can achieve big things,” Krasniqi signed off.