It is with great sadness that the IHF has learnt of the passing of Secretary General of the Kosovo Handball Federation (KHF), Izet Gjinovci.

Gjinovci dedicated his life to handball, starting as a player, as he moved into managing the club in the Kosovan capital, Prishtina, following his retirement.

Since 2002, he has been the Secretary General of the Kosovan Handball Federation, being the “the symbol of Kosovan handball", according to the KHF. His untimely passing will surely leave a big hole in the Kosovan Handball Federation. 

“He performed his duties as Secretary General with exemplary devotion and passion until his last breath. His contribution to the development of Kosovan handball is colossal. After a successful career as a handball player of Pristina, the late Gjinovci took the leadership of the Pristina club. He sacrificed a lot to lead the club successfully, and at one time melted all his wealth for the club's wellbeing,” said the KHF statement announcing Gjinovci's untimely passing. 

IHF President Dr Hassan Moustafa joins those mourning the loss of Izet Gjinovci on behalf of the IHF and the global handball family and expresses his condolences and sympathy to his family and loved ones in this difficult time.