Zagreb, Croatia – In a ceremony at the Ministry of Defence (MORH), Croatia has solidified its commitment to supporting elite athletes by awarding 2025 contracts to 40 individuals who will serve in the contractual reserve. The Croatian Olympic Committee (COC) played a key role in the selection process, basing its decisions on the athletes' outstanding sporting achievements.

The contracts were presented by Vice-President of the Government and Minister of Defence, Ivan Anušić, and Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Tihomir Kundid. Minister Anušić praised the athletes for their dedication and success, emphasizing their role as ambassadors of both Croatian athleticism and military spirit. "You represent the union of the Croatian soldier and the Croatian athlete, bringing medals and pride to Croatia," he stated. "On behalf of the Armed Forces and the Croatian state, I thank you for all your sporting successes."

He also highlighted the ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Defence to enhance conditions for elite reserve athletes and all Croatian soldiers.

Lieutenant General Kundid underscored the inherent connection between sport and military service, citing qualities such as determination, strength, and dedication. "Being an elite athlete means having determination, physical and mental strength and dedication to what you do, values that are at the core of the military profession," Kundid remarked. "I am glad that you are part of the Croatian Army and that you demonstrate your loyalty to the homeland through your sporting achievements."

Sailor Šime Fantela, speaking on behalf of the athletes, expressed gratitude for the Ministry's support, which has been ongoing since 2011. "The support of the Ministry of Defence means a lot to us and is an additional motivation for young athletes," Fantela said. "We are happy to represent both the Republic of Croatia and our Armed Forces in sporting competitions, and MORH supports us in our work."

The 40 athletes represent a diverse range of sports, including boxing, shooting, judo, sailing, swimming, taekwondo, rowing, wrestling, gymnastics, athletics, skiing, canoeing, and kayaking.

Notable recipients include boxers Sara Beram and Nikolina Ćaćić; shooters Giovanni Cernogoraz and Josip Glasnović; judokas Lara Cvjetko and Ana Viktorija Puljiz; sailors Šime Fantela and Tonči Stipanović; swimmer Nikola Miljenić; taekwondo athletes Matea Jelić and Lena Stojković; rowers Martin and Valent Sinković; gymnast Tin Srbić; and athletes Filip Mihaljević and Marija Tolj.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from the COC, including Secretary General Siniša Krajač and Director of the Office for Olympic Programmes Damir Šegota.

This initiative is rooted in the 2015 Agreement on Cooperation, Improvement and Development of Sport in the Republic of Croatia, signed between the Ministry of Defence and the COC. Currently, six elite athletes are undergoing voluntary military training, and contracted elite reserve athletes receive a monthly allowance of €1,000. This program underscores Croatia's dedication to supporting its top athletes while fostering a strong connection between sports and national defense.

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