Kosovo’s Majlinda Kelmendi has won her country’s first Olympic medal — and it’s a gold.

Kelmendi defeated Italy’s Odette Giuffrida in the women’s 52-kilogram judo division final in a tight contest Sunday marked by aggressive grip-fighting as both competitors struggled to get a decisive hold on the other’s uniform.

Kelmendi only managed to score once, but it was enough. After her victory was announced, Kelmendi hugged Giuffrida and then walked off the mat in tears.

Wearing a blue uniform that matched some of the Kosovo flags being waved in the arena, a teary Kelmendi waved to the crowd and raised her arms in victory.