Multi-award-winning photographer from Čelinac Vladimir Tadić has won first prize in the sports category at the prestigious Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award (HIPA), with the ceremony held on November 11 in Dubai.
The award-winning photograph was taken in Banjaluka’s Borik Sports Hall during the European Cadet Boxing Championship, capturing the emotional intensity of a decisive sporting moment — perfectly fitting this year’s competition theme, “Power.”
“This award comes at a decisive moment for me and means more than any other, even though I’ve received many honors around the world. My work usually portrays nature and adventure, but this photograph tells both a sporting and a human story,” said Tadić after the ceremony.
He explained that the image shows two teenage girls at the moment of the referee’s verdict — “like two sides of a scale, where one just barely tipped over,” symbolizing months of effort, dedication, and sacrifice behind that single instant.
“It is precisely in that contrast — between victory and defeat, joy and sadness — that the strength of this photo lies. It’s a great honor that such a moment has been recognized and awarded at this level,” Tadić added.
The HIPA Award, named after Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is among the world’s most prestigious photography honors, with a total prize fund of 1 million USD.
This year’s competition drew over 87,000 photographs submitted by around 50,000 photographers from all over the world.
Known for his stunning depictions of nature, landscapes, and adventure, Tadić continues to build an impressive international career that promotes the beauty and preservation of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s natural heritage.
At the award ceremony in Dubai, Tadić wore a shirt adorned with traditional Zmijanje embroidery, crafted by members of the “Duga” Women’s Humanitarian Association.
Source: See Srpska
