Boxer Sara Ćirković has been named the best athlete of Republika Srpska at the prestigious event organized by Glas Srpske, marking the 70th annual selection of top sports laureates for the outgoing year.
The prestigious award was presented to Ćirković by celebrated handball star Momir Ilić, who also served as the jury president for this year’s ceremony.
Ćirković earned this recognition through her gold medal at the European Championship and her participation in the Paris Olympic Games.
“Republika Srpska is my homeland. I thank everyone who supported me on this journey, especially President Milorad Dodik, who has always stood by me. I wish him a speedy recovery. My goal is an Olympic medal, and I believe we will all celebrate together in four years,” said Sara Ćirković.
Second place went to footballer and captain of Banja Luka’s Borac, Srđan Grahovac, who led his team to a championship title in Bosnia and Herzegovina and had stellar performances on the international stage.
The jury awarded third place to Marina Kurteš, a member of the Slavija Karate Club, who won a bronze medal at the European Championship.
From fourth to tenth place, the ranking included volleyball player Ana Zubac from Gacko, judoka Lana Bjelica, swimmer Jovan Lekić, kickboxer Stefan Dobrijević, marksman Matej Rašić from Geofon, tennis player Andrej Nedić from Doboj, and marathon runner Voislav Grubiša.
Deputy Prime Minister of Republika Srpska Alen Šeranić emphasized that the top institutions of Srpska recognize and promote sports, congratulating the winners of the “Top 10 Athletes of Republika Srpska” event.
“Republika Srpska is promoted in the best possible way, and the Government is a partner to athletes who will continue to receive support. Sport is a foundation for a healthy lifestyle for young people,” said Šeranić.
Radio Television of Republika Srpska, a media partner of Glas Srpske, traditionally selects the best sports event. The award went to the “22 April” Swimming Meet.
A special plaque for contributions to developing and enhancing special ties in sports between Serbia and Republika Srpska was awarded to President Milorad Dodik. Jelena Pajić Baštinac, Secretary General in Dodik’s Cabinet, accepted the plaque on his behalf.
Dodik was recognized for his support of numerous athletes, clubs, and events, including sending the Republika Srpska team to the BRICS Games. His backing was instrumental for events such as the All-Serb Handball Cup and the European Boxing Championship for cadets.
Similar plaques were awarded to this year’s jury president Momir Ilić and Nenad Borovčanin, President of the Serbian Boxing Federation.
Plaques honoring the contributions of Republika Srpska sports ambassadors were presented to celebrated basketball player Zoran Kukić and football coach Vladimir Gaćinović, who currently leads Spartak and has successfully coached teams in Serbia’s league.
Plaques for the promotion and development of sports were awarded to the Slavija Boxing Club and Milutin Popović, President of the Volleyball Federation of Republika Srpska.
Marinko Umičević, President of the Wheelchair Basketball Association, received a plaque for his long-standing contributions to developing Paralympic sports.
Dražen Duvnjak, also from this association, received a plaque for his exceptional achievements in Paralympic sports, having led his team to a regional league title and a tenth national championship title in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The best coach award for 2024 went to Mirko Ždralo, head coach of Serbia’s women’s boxing team.
A special plaque from the Ministry of Family, Youth, and Sports recognized the Hector Fight Night Jungle event for attracting elite fighters from the region and garnering significant attention.
Certificates for outstanding achievements were awarded to basketball representative Borisa Simanić from KK Igokea, Borac Football Club, which had a memorable year by winning the BiH Championship title, reaching the Cup final, and excelling in Europe, and super-talented tennis player Tea Kovačević, who won the U16 Masters, became European champion, and earned her first points in senior competition.
Since 2017, Glas Srpske has awarded the title of Best Athlete from Republika Srpska. The 2024 award went to judoka Nemanja Majdov, who received this honor for the fourth time.
A lifetime achievement award was presented to renowned parachutist Viktor Kupljenik, a world silver medalist and former Best Athlete awardee at this event. Kupljenik, who achieved over 5,000 jumps, appeared on the list five times.
The “Golden Pen” Limun Papić award, dedicated to sports journalists, was presented to veteran sports reporter Nikola Kragulj.
The Ministry of Family, Youth, and Sports of Republika Srpska gave special recognition to the most promising young athletes of 2024: Nika Popić (athletics), Sofija Rakić (shooting), Sergej Trbojević (swimming), Viktor Milić (kickboxing), Hana Predojević (basketball), Đorđe Račić (jiu-jitsu), Matej Deket (football), Danilo Vukotić (taekwondo), Aljoša Travar (kayaking), Ana Škiljević (judo), and Goran Kovačević (karate, Paralympic sports).
Posthumous plaques were awarded to journalist Nenad Marković and handball legend Miro Bjelić.
Source: RTRS
