Ismail Barlov and Fifty-Two Outstanding and Deserving Athletes Awarded at the Ceremony in Sarajevo

The Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina organized a formal ceremony today for the presentation of the State Sports Awards of Bosnia and Herzegovina for the 2024.

The award was presented 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, symbolize the strength of the human spirit and unshakable will.

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

This year, awards were also presented to fifty-two top 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 around the world through their results.

In addition to Barlov and the categorized athletes, the ceremony was attended by other deserving athletes, representatives of the Olympic and Paralympic Committees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, sports workers, and officials.

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

Through the presentation of these awards, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to support athletes and recognize their exceptional contribution to society and the international promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina.