- by croatiaweek
- April 14, 2026
- in
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
The Croatian Ministry of Defence has awarded contracts to 52 top athletes as part of its ongoing partnership with elite sport, reinforcing the link between athletic excellence and national service.
Contracts for 2026 were formally presented on 14 April by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Ivan Anušić at the Ministry in Zagreb. Each athlete, serving as a contractual reservist in the Croatian Armed Forces, will receive a monthly allowance of €1,000.
Anušić congratulated the athletes on their achievements and praised their role as role models. He highlighted their influence on younger generations, encouraging them to pursue sport and consider service in the armed forces.
Among those representing the athletes, Olympic rowing champion Valent Sinković emphasised the pride of wearing the Croatian military uniform.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
He noted that the connection with the armed forces provides psychological strength and added motivation in competition, while also helping promote the values of discipline and service.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
Olympian Matea Parlov Koštro described the contracts as both significant financial support and recognition of athletes’ contributions to Croatian sport. She also underlined the wider impact of the initiative, particularly in inspiring young people to consider military careers.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
Those awarded are: Aurel Benović, Sara Beram, Paško Božić, Giovanni Cernogoraz, Lara Cvjetko, Nikolina Ćaćić, Palma Čargo, Martin Dolenc, Dominik Etlinger, Mihovil Fantela, Šime Fantela, Roko Farkaš, Anton Glasnović, Josip Glasnović, Marko Golubić, Petar Gorša, Filip Jurišić, Ivana Jurković, Josipa Jurković, Karlo Kodrić, Sara Kolak, Samuel Kolega, Katarina Krišto, Matija Legović, Anton Lončarić, Patrik Lončarić, Tvrtko Ljutić, Matej Mandić, Matija Marinić, Damir Martin, Filip Mihaljević, Nikola Miljenić, Iva Oberan, Matea Parlov Koštro, Petrunjela Pavić, Leona Popović, Filip Pravdica, Ana Viktorija Puljiz, Istok Rodeš, Martin Sinković, Valent Sinković, Tin Srbić, Tonči Stipanović, Lena Stojković, Filip Šačić, Marija Tolj, Ivan Šapina, Vanesa Tot, Elena Vorobeva and Filip Zubčić.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
The programme, developed in cooperation with the Croatian Olympic Committee, has been in place for over two decades, with agreements dating back to 2003.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
It allows elite athletes to serve in the reserve forces while continuing their sporting careers.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)
Through international competitions, athletes promote not only Croatian sport but also the armed forces and the country itself, strengthening Croatia’s global profile.
(Photo: MORH/ T. Brandt)