Sadiku had hoped to represent Kosovo at the Women's Boxing Championships in New Delhi, but encountered visa problems, which was not the first time.
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Kosovar boxer Donjeta Sadiku has been forced to withdraw from the International Boxing Association (IBA) Women’s Boxing Championships in New Delhi due to “discriminatory” restrictions imposed by the event organizers. The Kosovo Olympic Committee (KOK) accused the organizers of imposing unfair restrictions on Sadiku’s participation, including the ban on using the Kosovo flag and national anthem during the event. Sadiku had hoped to represent Kosovo at the Women’s Boxing Championships in New Delhi, but encountered visa problems, which was not the first time. India does not recognize Kosovo’s independence, and participants from Kosovo have faced difficulties traveling to the country in the past. The KOK said that the Kosovo Boxing Federation had been given the green light to obtain a visa in Sofia, Bulgaria before the restrictions were imposed on Sadiku.
Under the conditions, Sadiku and other participants from Kosovo would not be allowed to carry their country’s flag or wear outfits with the flag printed on them. The KOK deemed these conditions unacceptable and withdrew Sadiku from the Women’s Boxing championships. “Based on the current conditions, we consider that this is a big discrimination for a boxer and Donjeta Sadiku will not travel to New Delhi,” the KOK told insidethegames. The IBA expressed its frustration at the restrictions, stating that it had “done everything possible” to ensure Kosovo’s participation in New Delhi. The IBA believes in sports without borders and politics and opposes discrimination of any kind, and will continue to fight for its athletes’ right to compete.
Read more: Boxer faces Visa issues for Women’s World Boxing Championships
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) criticized the IBA in October 2021 for failing to conduct “necessary due diligence” on the awarding of the Men’s World Championships to Belgrade, Serbia. At that event, Kosovo’s team was denied entry to Serbia on multiple occasions. New Delhi was awarded hosting rights to the Women’s Boxing Championships in November 2021. Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia still regards Kosovo as an autonomous part of its country. The KOK was recognized by the IOC in 2014, but there remains international disagreement over Kosovo’s recognition. The Kosovo-Serbia dispute has been a significant issue in the region since Kosovo declared its independence in 2008, with Serbia refusing to recognize the country’s sovereignty.
Because of political tensions spilling over into the sporting world, athletes like Sadiku have been denied the opportunity to compete on a world class playing field. Sports should be free from political interference and discrimination. Hence, the International Boxing Association (IBA) and other sports organizations should work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all athletes.
Read more: IOC to attend Women’s World Boxing Championships – Reports
