The organisation’s Executive Board approved the move during its latest meeting.

The KOC said the support will enable athletes to benefit from training camps abroad in the build-up to the rescheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Athletes will have their expenses covered by the KOC for a specified number of days, depending on their category.

Those in category 'A' - judoka Majlinda Kelmendi, Distria Krasniqi, Nora Gjakova, Loriana Kuka and Akil Gjakova - can have their expenses covered for up to 80 days.

Wrestler Egzon Shala could potentially receive the top-level of support after qualifying for the Games.

Rio 2016 Olympic champion Kelmendi, Krasniqi and Gjakova were the only athletes to have used the full allocation last year.

Category 'B' athletes can have their expenses covered for 40 days, while category C athletes will receive 20 days.

The KOC said the athletes eligible for the support come from judo, boxing, wrestling, karate, athletics, swimming, shooting and archery.

The funding will apply during the first six months of 2021 in preparation for the Games, which are scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 21.

The support also applies to camps organised in Kosovo and the region for the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The KOC has also decided to cover the expenses of elite athletes for one of the competitions which offers qualification points for the Olympic Games.

The KOC expects to be represented by a 12-member team at Tokyo 2020.