Kosovo’s parachuting team made an impressive showing at the European Parachuting Championship held in Gjirokastër, Albania, securing second place overall, just behind the Czech Republic, which claimed first. The event attracted 100 competitors from 22 European countries, showcasing high-level performances and fostering a spirit of sportsmanship.
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In the individual competition, Kosovo’s Migjen Shala earned a well-deserved third place, behind Serbian Ivan Pavlov, who took first, and German Linus Schubert, who placed second. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Shala, who has been involved in parachuting for eight years. In an interview with VOA, Shala expressed his pride in representing Kosovo and his dedication to training for the competition.
"I have been parachuting for eight years, but this year, I prepared more intensely for this championship. Of course, my teammates and I are proud to represent our country, Kosovo, and as Albanians, to have won a European medal," said Shala.
Kosovo’s Aeronautical Federation sent a team of seven athletes to the competition, including two women. One of them, Kosovare Leskovci, spoke about the challenges of the sport, particularly for women, but emphasized her determination to succeed.
"I have been doing this sport for eight years. It’s harder for a woman because we have more responsibilities—family, work, school, and home. But we try to use the little time we have to train and represent Kosovo in the best possible way," said Leskovci.
Meanwhile, Albania’s parachuting team faced an early elimination in the championship. Although four Albanian athletes managed to break into the top 20 in the individual competition, none secured a spot in the final rankings.
Among the highlights of the event was the presence of Noeli, a two-year-old boy, who became a fan favorite. His father competed for Slovenia, and his mother was part of the Czech team.
This marked the first time Gjirokastër, a UNESCO-protected city known for its rich cultural heritage and striking landscapes, hosted the European Parachuting Championship. The event was more than just a sporting competition; it also served as a boost to the local tourism industry.
Alket Islami, the technical director of Albania’s Aeronautics Federation, highlighted the positive impact of the championship on the city. "This European championship provides great promotion for Gjirokastër and Albania. Over 200 pilots and delegations have come here, and I am sure they will return. Pilots who visited for the first time are leaving with the best impressions of this ideal landscape, the hospitality, the cultural heritage they experienced everywhere, and the unforgettable gastronomy," said Islami.
The airfield in Gjirokastër has been certified for sports flights, and the Albanian government has announced plans to launch a tender for the construction of a full airport by the end of the year. This development is expected to further enhance the city’s accessibility and its reputation as a destination for both sports and tourism.