Nora Gjakova Honored with Special Achievement Award as Judo Career Concludes

Peja, Kosovo – Olympic gold medalist Nora Gjakova has been recognized with a special achievement award by the Kosovo Olympic Committee, marking the end of a distinguished 23-year judo career. The ceremony took place on Friday, February 20, 2026, with Gjakova receiving the honor from her long-time coach, Driton Kuka.

A Career Defined by Success

Gjakova, born on August 17, 1992, in Peja, Kosovo, has established herself as one of Kosovo’s most decorated athletes. Her crowning achievement came at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, where she won a gold medal in the women’s 57 kg judo event [1]. Beyond her Olympic success, Gjakova has accumulated numerous European and World Championship titles throughout her career.

Key Achievements

• Olympic Games: Gold medal at Tokyo 2020 [1]
• World Championships: Bronze medal at Budapest 2021 [1]
• European Championships: Gold medal at Tel Aviv 2018 [1]
• European Games: Silver medal at Minsk 2019, Bronze medal at Baku 2015 [1]
• Mediterranean Games: Gold medal at Tarragona 2018 [1]

Transition and Future

Nora Gjakova officially announced her retirement on Tuesday, January 1, 2026, bringing to a close a historic journey marked by dedication, victory, and national pride [3]. Coach Driton Kuka expressed his gratitude for Gjakova’s hard work and sacrifice, acknowledging her contributions to the Albanian Nation [3].

Continued Commitment

Despite her retirement from competition, recent reports indicate Nora Gjakova will continue her career until the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games [4]. This will mark her fourth Summer Games appearance.

Gjakova’s legacy as a judoka and a national hero is firmly established, and her future endeavors will undoubtedly continue to inspire athletes in Kosovo and beyond.