FEDERATION FRIDAY: BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a rustic situated in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It’s bordered by Croatia to the north and west, Serbia to the east, and Montenegro to the southeast, with a small shoreline on the Adriatic Sea. The inhabitants reaches as much as round 3.2 million individuals throughout 51,209 km². The capital metropolis, Sarajevo, is a well-known and recurrently visited vacation spot for all judoka throughout the globe.

The Bosnia and Herzegovina Judo Federation has a wealthy historical past that stretches again over six many years. Established in 1960, through the time when Bosnia and Herzegovina was a part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Federation grew to become a key element in selling and organising the game of judo within the area. On the time, judo in Yugoslavia was rising steadily, and Bosnia and Herzegovina contributed to the game’s growth within the wider Balkan area.

A New Chapter: Impartial Nationwide Judo Federation

In 1993, following Bosnia and Herzegovina’s independence after the dissolution of Yugoslavia, the Federation reemerged because the Nationwide Judo Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. This era marked a major shift, because the nation navigated the aftermath of the warfare and commenced to rebuild its nationwide id throughout numerous sectors, together with sports activities. The Federation continued to foster the event of judo, enjoying a key position in uniting athletes and selling the game throughout the nation regardless of the challenges of post-war restoration.

Although Bosnia and Herzegovina continues to be ready for its first Olympic judo medal, the nation boasts a formidable listing of Olympians who’ve proudly represented their nation on the world stage. These athletes have introduced satisfaction and recognition to Bosnia and Herzegovina by means of their participation in numerous worldwide competitions, together with the celebrated Olympic Video games.

The Federation continues to construct on this legacy, nurturing younger expertise and aspiring to at some point carry house the Olympic medal that so a lot of its judoka dream of. The dedication of the nation’s judo group, coupled with its sturdy organisational basis, ensures that the way forward for judo in Bosnia and Herzegovina is vibrant.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has made vital strides within the worldwide judo scene, reaching a number of different notable accomplishments. One of many nation’s most distinguished judoka, Larisa Cerić, has gained two senior World Championship medals. She earned a bronze medal on the 2018 World Championships in Baku and a silver medal on the 2017 World Championships in Marrakesh within the Open Class. Cerić’s success started early in her profession when she grew to become a Junior World Champion in 2009, taking house the gold medal within the +78 kg class in Paris. This victory established her as certainly one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s premier judo abilities. Samardzic added to the house tally with a junior world silver medal in 2017.

There are quite a few achievements to spotlight amongst Bosnia and Herzegovina’s judo veterans too, notably Milanko MUCIBABIĆ, who has made vital contributions each on and off the mat. Mucibabić has served as President of the Nationwide Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina on two events, first from 2004 to 2005, and once more from 2022 to 2023. He continues to be a member of the NOC’s government committee and has devoted a lot of his life to the game of judo. In competitors, Mucibabić earned a silver medal on the 2022 Veteran World Championships in Krakow and a bronze medal on the 2023 Veteran World Championships in Abu Dhabi, each within the -100 kg division. Along with his World Championship accomplishments, he secured his fifth Veteran European title in 2024 on house soil, as Sarajevo proudly hosted the Veteran European Championships this 12 months.

Whereas on the subject of the European Championships, the Federation proudly praises their six senior European medals, earned by the next athletes:

Cerić additionally secured a gold medal on the U23 European Championships in Prague in 2012, successful within the +78 kg class. Whereas the nation has celebrated some success on the European junior stage, equivalent to a bronze medal from Samardžić in 2017, in addition to a number of fifth and seventh place finishes at different youth continental occasions, one of many key growth objectives for the Federation stays to attain larger success on the cadet and junior ranges. Their newest near-medalist from the 2024 Cadet European Championships was Ivano DJINKIC, who narrowly missed the rostrum with a fifth place end within the -81 kg class.

Immediately, judo has turn out to be probably the most practiced martial arts in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The game has seen vital progress, with round 2,500 judoka actively coaching and competing. This group is unfold throughout 82 judo golf equipment all through the nation, showcasing the game’s widespread enchantment and its means to carry individuals collectively throughout totally different areas and communities. With continued help and dedication, this tiny however mighty nation, together with its rising judo group, seems to be ahead to many extra accomplishments each on and off the tatami.

Off the mat…Do you know?

• Sarajevo just isn’t solely a daily host of a number of judo occasions but additionally hosted the 1984 Winter Olympics!
• Trams had been first launched for normal use in Europe in Sarajevo in 1885. These streetcars operated as an animal-powered railway, usually pulled by horses, and sometimes by mules, normally working in pairs.
• You possibly can discover a rainforest in Bosnia and Herzegovina at Sutjeska Nationwide Park, which spans 3,500 acres alongside the Montenegro border. This UNESCO World Heritage Website is house to 170 tree species, numerous wildlife, and the Skakavac Waterfall, one of many nation’s tallest waterfalls.
• Lilium Bosniacum, referred to as the Golden Lily, is Bosnia’s nationwide image. This native flower historically represents items and is commonly used to adorn birthday muffins and wrapping paper. As a heraldic image, it dates again to the 14th-century Kingdom of Bosnia and at the moment signifies each Bosnia and the Bosniak individuals.
• Bosnians deeply love espresso, which is central to their tradition. Brewed in a cezve or džezva, Bosnian espresso is finely floor and served unfiltered in small cups. The preparation is a social ritual, with espresso homes (kafanas) as widespread gathering spots, symbolising hospitality and group in every day life.

Cowl Picture: Stari Most Bridge, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina by Mhare by Dunk

Creator: Szandra Szogedi

Share
Tweet
Telegram
WhatsApp
E-Mail