Ismail Barlov awarded the state prize for sports for 2024

(Patria) - Young Bosnian para-swimmer Ismail Barlov (14) was awarded the state prize for sports of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2024 today. Barlov also brought a silver medal to BiH from the Paralympic Games.

“We had a very demanding but also productive year behind us. We achieved almost unrealistic successes. My best friend Ismail Zulfić broke the senior European record, I became European champion and won a silver medal at the Paralympic Games, thus becoming one of the youngest Paralympic medal winners ever. I would like to thank my parents, coach, all relevant institutions and the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH,” said Barlov.

Minister of Civil Affairs of BiH Dubravka Bošnjak emphasized that today's event is just a small token of appreciation towards BiH athletes and an opportunity to thank them for everything they do for the development of sports and the promotion of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Ismail is a symbol of strength and sports spirit,” emphasized Minister Bošnjak during the awarding of the prestigious recognition to Barlov.

The state prize for sports, worth 10,000 KM, was awarded to 14-year-old Barlov for winning the gold medal at last year's European Senior Para-Swimming Championships in Madeira and the silver medal in the 50-meter breaststroke event at the Paralympic Games in Paris.

In addition, Barlov is the winner of numerous medals at regional competitions and the youngest athlete from Bosnia and Herzegovina to meet the qualification standard for the Olympic or Paralympic Games. He started swimming in 2018 at the Swimming Club for Persons with Disabilities "Spid".

In addition to the state prize for sports, the Ministry of Civil Affairs of BiH today also awarded recognitions to 16 meritorious and 32 top international-level athletes, who received one-time financial assistance ranging from 1,600 to 3,000 KM, for which a total of 100,000 KM was allocated.