Kosovo club dominates national aeronautical awards with historic paragliding success - EXCLUSIVE

The Annual Awards Ceremony of the Kosovo Aeronautical Federation, held on July 6, 2026, celebrated the country's top sporting achievements of 2025, with the Aeronautical Club Shqiponjat e Kastriotit making history by winning nearly all of the most prestigious awards in the discipline of Paragliding Accuracy Landing.

This was said by the source in the Kosovo Aeronautical Federation, in an exclusive interview with CE Report.

According to the federation, the awards once again confirmed the club's leading position in Kosovo and its growing reputation on the international stage. The club's athletes, coach, and officials received the federation's highest individual and team honors across multiple categories.

Fanol Shala was named Best Athlete after an outstanding season that has seen him climb to third place in the FAI World Ranking, making him one of Kosovo's most successful international paragliding pilots. He also received the Best Coach award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to developing world-class athletes and promoting Kosovo in international air sports.

The Best Female Athlete award went to Lisjeta Thaqi, who currently holds the number one position in the FAI World Ranking for Paragliding Accuracy Landing, further reinforcing her status as the world's leading athlete in the discipline.

Among the younger generation, Anisa Shala was named Best Young Female Athlete, while Arber Shala received the Best Young Male Athlete award, highlighting the emergence of a new generation of elite pilots with strong international potential.

The federation also honored Lejla Boshnjak as Best Judge for her professionalism, expertise, and significant contribution to the development of air sports through officiating at national and international competitions.

In the team category, Aeronautical Club Shqiponjat e Kastriotit was named Best Aeronautical Club, recognizing its consistent sporting excellence, athlete development, and remarkable international achievements.

The federation described the results as a historic milestone for a single club, emphasizing that receiving honors in nearly every major category—from the best athletes and young talents to the best coach, best judge, and best club—reflects years of dedication, professional coaching, and a sustained commitment to excellence.

Photo: Mail