Šuman: Athletes need good conditions and success will follow

SARAJEVO, (Patria) – Head coach of the BiH handball team Bilal Šuman said at a reception at the KS Government on the occasion of qualifying for the 2020 European Championship that in the past two and a half years he came to the Minister of Culture and Sport of KS Mirvad Kurić whenever he had a problem. 

„We always had support in KS, and I can say now that new people have appeared and I think this sport connects all of that. I hope you will be there for the next four years as well. We also have a plan for the next four years for this cooperation to continue properly and for us to represent our BiH in the right way“, said head coach Šuman. 

He said that conditions are also needed for good work. He is aware of the problems when it comes to sports in BiH.  

„When it comes to the work of national teams in any sport, conditions must be created for us to represent our BiH. BiH is still lagging behind its neighbors when it comes to spending on sports", said Šuman, adding that the functioning of national teams should be regulated through the Law on Sports or national teams. 

Minister of Culture and Sport Mirvad Kurić said that it is time to address some issues and that problems within the Association are hindering the work of the national team. 

„In the past two and a half years, Bilal and I have done I don't know how many financial gymnastics to get support for this national team. Now we have qualified, but an even stronger pace and preparations follow. The problem now is not so much money as the legal status of the RS BiH. These people must solve this problem so as not to block these valuable people and our head coach. This must be resolved at the state level. As we have done so far, we will not leave this national team in the lurch“.

Head coach Šuman also revealed the preparation plan for the handball team, and the next match is scheduled for October when the qualifiers for the World Championship begin. 

„The guys are going on a well-deserved vacation. Their league championships start in September. Our first gathering will be in October when we play the qualifiers for the World Championship. And from December 20th, preparations for the European Championship, which begins on January 9th, will follow. We will have about 20 days to do those things and set goals for the EC, to work and, I hope, to make BiH happy with some good results at the EC", said Šuman. 

KS Prime Minister Edin Forto said that the KS Government will continue to support the national team and that it is the pride of the citizens of BiH.