Russian MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial arts fighters of all time, is visiting Banja Luka and Republika Srpska.
During a reception hosted by Republika Srpska Minister of Family, Youth and Sports Irena Ignjatović, discussions also focused on the possibility of Emelianenko supporting the development of combat sports in Republika Srpska.
Ignjatović said Republika Srpska and Russia have always shared a special bond and that athletes play an important role in building and strengthening those ties.
“Fedor is a great fighter, but also a great man who respects our country and our people. We wanted to thank him and congratulate him on everything he has accomplished throughout his career,” Ignjatović said.
She added that she had heard Emelianenko referred to as “The Last Emperor,” which, she said, demonstrated how highly regarded he is in the sporting world and the magnitude of his career achievements.
During the reception, Ignjatović presented the Russian sports legend with an icon of Saint George.
Emelianenko said this was not his first visit to Republika Srpska, noting that he had previously visited sites associated with the suffering of the Serb people at Kozara and Jasenovac. He said he was well acquainted with Republika Srpska, both its history and current developments.
Emelianenko also expressed his readiness to help coaches and champions improve the level of combat sports in Republika Srpska in the future.
The legendary MMA fighter later visited Borac Football Club, congratulating the club on its 100th anniversary and wishing it many more successes.
Borac Vice President Bogoljub Zeljković said it was a great honor to welcome one of the world’s most renowned fighters, particularly in the year marking the club’s centenary.
“We also explained to him the meaning of our club’s name – ‘Borac,’ or ‘fighter.’ That name obliges us to fight and never give up, which has been one of our fundamental values throughout all 100 years of the club’s existence. Hosting an athlete of this stature is a great honor for us, and his messages of support certainly mean a great deal,” Zeljković said.
Zeljković also presented Emelianenko with commemorative gifts.
Emelianenko then visited the Parents’ House, where he donated 20,000 KM.
“We must always support people who are ill, especially children. During my visit to this house, I saw that everything here, dedicated to the youngest, has been created with great love and warmth. Everything has been done to ensure that children receive appropriate medical care, and I wholeheartedly support that,” Emelianenko told reporters.
Nikola Šobot, Director of the University Clinical Center of Republika Srpska, said Emelianenko’s visit to the Parents’ House and Republika Srpska demonstrated that he is not only a great athlete, but also a great humanitarian who supports cancer patients, particularly children.
Source: RTRS
