First CISM Balkan Mountain Running Championship celebrates sportsmanship and camaraderie among Balkan Armed Forces
BELGRADE (SRB) - The inaugural CISM Balkan Mountain Running Championship began with a grand opening ceremony at the Military Academy's sports center in Vrsac, Serbia. This event, organized as part of the "Balkan Military Games" project, brought together participants from seven Balkan countries to compete on a challenging circular route over Vršac Hill.
During this significant event, a total of 38 skilled athletes representing seven Balkan nations, namely Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, Serbia, and Slovenia, came together to participate in this eagerly awaited gathering within the region. The convergence of these diverse athletes added a vibrant and competitive spirit to the event, underscoring the importance and anticipation it held for each participating country.
During the Opening Ceremony, Acting Assistant Minister of Defence for Human Resources, Siniša Radović, conveyed his best wishes to the participants and highlighted the extensive involvement of the Ministry of Defence and Serbian Armed Forces in CISM events over the past two decades.
He emphasized that their participation not only showcases their athletic abilities but also reflects the nation's values and military excellence on an international stage. Assistant Minister Radović stressed the importance of sports and physical exercise for armed forces worldwide, stating that it's both a right and an obligation for service members to achieve the highest levels of psychophysical fitness.
Lieutenant Colonel Asst. Prof. Negovan Ivanković, PhD, Chief of the Serbian Delegation to the CISM, expressed enthusiasm for this new tradition, coinciding with Serbia's 20th CISM anniversary and the organization's 75th anniversary. He praised the "Balkan Military Games" initiative for enhancing regional camaraderie and bolstering military sports development. Ivanković highlighted the establishment of a tradition of Balkan military championships through joint efforts, emphasizing the enduring bonds created through sportsmanship.
Assistant Minister of Sports Mirko Kantar, PhD, applauded the contributions of the Ministry of Defence and Serbian Armed Forces to the country's sporting successes. Their participation in CISM sports events not only demonstrates outstanding athletic abilities but also embodies essential military values like courage and dignity.
The opening ceremony was attended by Commandant of the Military Academy, Colonel Assoc. Prof. Srđan Blagojević, PhD, and dignitaries from the Ministry of Defence and Serbian Armed Forces.
On the sports side, one of the standout achievements was Corporal Đuro Borbelj's triumphant clinching of the gold medal in the men's competition. Alongside this individual victory, both the men's and women's military teams of Serbia showcased their strength by securing a commendable third place in the team competition. The men's team included Corporal Ivan Dlachich and military officer Milivoje Jovović, while the women's team featured the participation of Second Lieutenant Jelena Sarić and military officer Tijana Kabić, who added to the nation's pride.
Participants from military delegations hailing from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania, and Slovenia all passionately engaged in the race. The athletes faced a challenging course, with female competitors covering a 6 km distance and their male counterparts conquering an 8 km track, testing their endurance and agility against the backdrop of the beautiful landscape.
The individual competitions held significant surprises as well. George Surlea from Romania secured an admirable second place in the men's division, with the third spot claimed by Miloš Rančić from North Macedonia. In the women's category, the podium was dominated by Jasmina Pitamic from Slovenia who clinched the top position, while second and third places were secured by Luisa Rasina from Romania and Tsekova Maranela from Bulgaria, respectively.
Moreover, in the closely watched team competitions, Romania showcased their collective strength and took the coveted first place among the male competitors. North Macedonia's remarkable performance secured them the second spot. In the women's division, Bulgaria outshone the competition to earn the championship title, while Romania secured a strong second place finish.
Chief of the Serbian Delegation to CISM, Lieutenant Colonel Asst. Prof. Negovan Ivanković, PhD, personally presented the winners with their well-deserved cups and medals. He expressed gratitude to all participants for their fair play, underlining how the event magnificently displayed sportsmanship and camaraderie among the Balkan nations' armed forces, showcased to the world through this prestigious championship.
The inaugural CISM Balkan Mountain Running Championship, a testament to Serbia's two decades of CISM membership, and part of the "Balkan Military Games" project, marks a significant milestone in regional military sports collaboration and development.
(Source: Serbian Delegation to CISM)
