The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Minister Dubravka Bošnjak, organized a ceremonial awarding of the State Awards for Sports in Bosnia and Herzegovina for the year 2024.

The award was given to Ismail Barlov, whose achievements, including winning a silver medal at the Paralympic Games in Paris and a gold medal at the European Senior Championship in Portugal, represent a symbol of the strength of the human spirit and unwavering will.

"We are here to pay tribute to the athletes who have earned our recognition and support through their hard work and dedication. The awards represent great acknowledgment and respect for all they have achieved. Among the recipients is an exceptional young man – Ismail Barlov, the silver Paralympian, whose work, courage, and commitment have inspired us," said Minister of Civil Affairs Dubravka Bošnjak while presenting the award.

This year’s ceremony also recognized fifty-two outstanding and deserving athletes from various sports disciplines, including swimming, athletics, tennis, handball, volleyball, judo, and others.

Minister Dubravka Bošnjak expressed pride and gratitude to the athletes who promote Bosnia and Herzegovina in the world with their results.

In addition to Barlov and classified athletes, other deserving athletes attended the ceremony, including the representative of the Olympic Committee of BiH, General Secretary Doc. Dr. Said Fazlagić, representatives of the Paralympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina, sports workers, and officials.

The State Award for Sports has been awarded since 2009 and represents the highest recognition that Bosnia and Herzegovina grants for the development and promotion of sport. Previous recipients of this award include prominent names in Bosnian-Herzegovinian sports such as Lana Pudar, Amel Tuka, Elvedina Muzaferija, Edin Džeko, and the legendary Ivica Osim.

By granting these awards, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to support athletes and recognize their exceptional contributions to society and the international promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Text: MCP BiH