-
By:
Faton Polisi
- March 1 2026 21: 26
- Share to:
Donjeta Sadiku stood in the center of the ring. She closed her eyes and waited for the judges' decision.
When her name was called as the winner of the final fight of the “Strangja” tournament in Sofia, Bulgaria, the Kosovar boxer started the celebration. She appeared excited after her victory in the final against Brazilian boxer Rebeca De Santos.
She appeared even more excited when the Kosovo anthem was played.
Rebeca Santos is the reigning world champion. She won the world gold medal last year in Liverpool. At that event, Donjeta was stopped in the first match by Viktorya Grafeyeva of Kazakhstan. The Brazilian won against the Kazakh in the semifinals.
Sunday's final was tight and open until the end. Donjeta won by split decision. Three judges awarded the Kosovar boxer the win, while two others awarded the Brazilian.
Donjeta Sadiku competed in the 60 kg category. She secured the final after defeating Egypt's Ayyad Yomna. She had two more victories in the Bulgarian capital.
also
Donjeta Sadiku wins gold again at the "Strangja" tournament
She also defeated Czech Barbora Maxova and Ukrainian Veronika Korets.
"This is the second gold medal from the prestigious and oldest tournament in Europe 'Strangja'. It makes me feel proud and happy after the very good performance I showed, especially in the final against the world champion. This shows that I am ready for the next challenges and my main goal remains the European Championship and the Mediterranean Games in which I believe I will be decorated with gold medals", Donjeta told KOHĖN.
Last year she also won gold at the prestigious "Strangja" amateur boxing tournament.
Shpëtim Bajoku and Taulant Jakupi have also boxed in Sofia, Bulgaria. Both were stopped in their first fights. Bajoku competed in the 70 kilogram category and was defeated by German boxer Randy Botikali.
Meanwhile, Jakupi boxed in the 90 kilogram category and suffered a defeat against Italian boxer Dean Njokedi.
Over 300 boxers competed in “Strangja.” And thanks to Donjeta Sadiku, the flag of Kosovo was raised high.
19 female boxers competed in the Donjeta Sadiku category. This was the 77th edition of “Strangja”, which is the oldest tournament in Europe.
"I am pleased with this gold medal secured by Donjeta in the oldest tournament in Europe that took place in Sofia, Bulgaria. This performance by Donjeta shows that she is in very good shape and on track for the most important competitions that await us this year," emphasized coach Marjola Sallauka.
also
Donjeta turns focus to the European Championships, aims for another gold
For Donjeta, 2022 is the most successful year in her career. She won European and world bronze medals.
Sadiku has participated in the past two Olympics, but remained without a medal. She hopes to qualify for "Los Angeles 2028". And an Olympic medal remains her big goal.
