With an overwhelming desire and anticipation, I eagerly bought a ticket to witness the boxing match held at Fadil Vokrri stadium in Pristina. Little did I know that this night would leave me grappling with emotions of shame and disappointment, for my beloved host country. The sky opened up, unleashing torrents of rain that served as an unanticipated backdrop to the boxing spectacle. Despite the discomfort of waiting for two hours in the relentless downpour, the allure of the match fueled my determination to endure the elements. The sacrifice seemed justified, as I looked forward to experiencing the atmosphere within the stadium.
The evening commenced with grand fanfare, as Pristina welcomed enthusiasts from near and far to participate in the eagerly awaited event. However, the jubilation would soon give way to an unforeseen and profound sense of disappointment. In retrospect, the night unfolded as a disheartening example of how not to embrace friends and guests in Kosovo.
The boxing matches at Fadil Vokrri stadium were designed as a true international spectacle. Competitors hailed from all corners of the globe – Turkey, South Africa, Argentina, and Algeria, to name a few. The pattern of the night’s eight fights was clear: a local Kosovar pitted against a foreign challenger.
The early bouts raised little suspicion, as Kosovar fighters secured victories by points in matches that seemed relatively balanced. However, as the evening progressed, the scales tilted in a direction that appeared less about sporting prowess and more about predetermined outcomes.
A notable example was the match between Argentina’s Karalitzky and local favorite, Bernardin. To the discerning eye, Karalitzky’s dominance in the ring was clear. Yet, much to the crowd’s astonishment, the referee declared Bernardin the victor.
But it was the main event between Krasniqi of Kosovo and Mohammedi of Algeria that proved to be the most contentious. While promotional material featured Krasniqi extensively, his Algerian opponent remained a shadowy figure. Despite Mohammedi’s evident upper hand during the match, Krasniqi was curiously portrayed as the winner. The referee’s decision at the end left many fans, even those devotedly cheering for Kosovo, questioning the integrity of the proceedings.
Devoted to my homeland, I watched with a heavy heart as the night’s proceedings took an unsettling turn. The presence of public racist calls towards international players resonated like a disgrace to my nation. Such behavior stood in stark contrast to the Kosovo I cherish: a land renowned for its warmth, hospitality, respect, and unwavering solidarity. These values are etched into the very fabric of our identity and history, and it is this very heritage that fills me with immeasurable pride.
In the aftermath of this disheartening incident, it is essential for us, as a nation, to reflect upon our collective responsibilities in welcoming guests and friends. The heart of Kosovo beats to the rhythm of kindness, compassion, and unity, hallmarks of a cultural etiquette that has long defined us. Let us strive to rekindle these fading embers, reestablishing our reputation as a nation that warmly embraces all who grace our shores.
This boxing match event was a night of stark contrasts glimmering excitement mingled with overwhelming shame and disappointment. As an impassioned citizen of Kosovo, it is my fervent hope that we can learn from this experience and re-embrace the essence of our identity, our kind hospitality, respect, and solidarity.
Vrlo dobar tekst , vredi procitati. Svaka čast za autorski tekst Arife . Ali za mene je ipak Haxhi Krasniqi šampion💪.
Great text, it’s good to read . I’m honored that Kosovo have this kind people like Arife. But for me Haxhi Krasniqi is champion