Statue of Sabit Hadžić Unveiled in Ilidža

(Patria) - A monument to Sabit Hadžić, a Bosnian-Herzegovinian basketball legend whose name is written in golden letters in the history of our and regional sports, was unveiled in Ilidža tonight.

At the location where he brought the title of European club champion, an Olympic medal, and in front of the hall bearing his name, his monument was placed, and it was unveiled by the Mayor of Ilidža Municipality, Nermin Muzur, Sabit's wife Fatma, and his son Damir.

- This is a very emotional day for me and my family, my sister, who couldn't be here with us today. I am very excited and thank the Municipality of Ilidža for contacting us a year ago, introducing us to this idea, and for us being here today to unveil my father's sculpture - said Damir Hadžić, who arrived from Italy for this special occasion.

It has been six years since Sabit Hadžić passed away, and the Mayor of Ilidža Municipality also spoke in superlatives about the BH basketball legend.

- One of the greatest names in BH basketball will forever remain in our hearts and memories. We jealously guard the memory of the BH basketball giant. From today, there is a sculpture to remind us, as well as all passers-by and tourists, of a great player, an excellent coach, and a top-notch person. The task he set for us in sports and human terms will be difficult to surpass, but we will cherish the memories of a man with a huge heart, a human titan, and a great local patriot - said Nermin Muzur, Mayor of Ilidža Municipality.

In addition to Mayor Muzur and Damir Hadžić, after the ceremonial unveiling of the monument dedicated to Sabit Hadžić, created by Adis Elias Fejzić, Sabit's wife Fatma, BiH Minister of Foreign Affairs Elmedin Konaković, KSBiH Secretary General and former national team player Dževad Alihodžić, as well as European basketball legend Svetislav Pešić, Sabit Hadžić's former teammate, coach, and friend, addressed the gathered crowd on the plateau in front of the hall.

Tonight's unveiling of the sculpture of the most successful coach of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national basketball team once again confirmed the legendary status that the former player and coach of Sarajevo's Bosna enjoyed in the community where he was born.