Mahmutović: Bosnalijek company saved politicians' faces and showed it values sport

The historic success achieved by the junior basketball team of BiH by reaching the semi-finals of the Eurobasket is even greater considering the difficult financial situation of the BiH Basketball Federation and all the problems these young men faced during the competition, writes the BiH news agency Patria.

Harun Mahmutović, Secretary General of the BiH Basketball Federation, told the BiH news agency Patria that they have not received a single mark from the state or the Federation of BiH and that sponsors are the only ones who can save sport in some way.

- All sports clubs have problems because financing is not resolved, especially our selections. Bosnalijek is a company that provides us with great assistance. We borrow money for everything, we don't pay entry fees and we embarrass ourselves around the world. Only they can save us in a way and save the faces of politicians and other people who should be taking care of their national teams – said Mahmutović.

He pointed out that in the countries of the region, national teams are financed by law.

- We cannot use austerity as an excuse because we cannot be thrifty when it comes to children. I am currently under the impression because BiH has never had such a historic success, but I feel a certain sadness in my soul, which makes me even prouder of what we have achieved – says Mahmutović.

He stated that the Bosnalijek company, through its support for the BiH Basketball Federation, has shown that it values sport, and through that, itself, because they "saved us from embarrassment with their help."

- We have achieved success and shown that we can – concluded Mahmutović for NAP.