Muay Thai, also known as Thai boxing, is gaining increasing popularity in Banja Luka thanks to the efforts of the Golden Victory martial arts club, which has become an important contributor to the development of the sport in Republika Srpska.
The club’s competitor Luka Cvijić recently represented Golden Victory at the European Championships in Paris, where he was eliminated in the opening round.
Despite the early exit, his participation in a major international competition featuring more than 800 athletes from 44 countries represented an important achievement for the club, the Muay Thai Federation and Republika Srpska.
Two decades of dedication to Muay Thai
Golden Victory was founded in 2004 by Miodrag Štrbac, who continues to serve as the club’s coach and works alongside his associates to promote and develop the sport.
According to Štrbac, the club has produced 11 coaches and 11 referees over more than two decades of activity, contributing significantly to the growth of Muay Thai in the region.
Three Muay Thai clubs currently operate in Republika Srpska: Golden Victory, Gladiator and Borac.
All three are members of the Muay Thai Federation of Republika Srpska, which was established in 2026 to support the sport’s organization and development.
Golden Victory combines sport with social responsibility
Beyond competitive achievements, Golden Victory places particular emphasis on social responsibility and community engagement.
The club organizes free training sessions for children living in residential care, providing opportunities to participate in martial arts and develop physical fitness, discipline and confidence.
Among the club’s active members is Rasim Suljić, who expressed satisfaction with the training environment and the dedication of the coaching staff.
“I am proud to be part of this club. I am satisfied with the work and training sessions. The coaches are fully dedicated. I am making progress every day and enjoying everything this sport has to offer,” Suljić said.
Through its competitive activities, development of coaches and referees, and commitment to young athletes, Golden Victory continues to play a significant role in strengthening Muay Thai in Banja Luka and throughout Republika Srpska.
Source: Glas Srpske
