ZDK: Investment in Sport Yields Results, Clubs of Special Significance Achieve Notable Successes

(Patria) - The commitment of the Government of the Zenica-Doboj Canton (ZDK) to systematically support sports collectives through the Law on Sports Clubs of Special Significance for ZDK is already yielding concrete results on sports fields across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This year, ZDK increased allocations for sports from two to five million KM, of which three million KM are intended for clubs of special significance for ZDK, while additional funds have been secured for the regular financing of other sports collectives.

The goal of these investments is the stabilization of clubs, development of youth academies, improvement of sports infrastructure, and creating the prerequisites for top-tier results.

The best example is the Football Club (NK) Čelik from Zenica, which, after a multi-year recovery period, is returning to the Premier League of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The three-time national champion, two-time winner of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cup, and two-time winner of the Mitropa Cup/Central European Cup dominantly secured first place in the First League of the Federation of BiH and ensured a return to the elite competition tier.

Notable results were also achieved by other football clubs covered by the Law.

NK Stupčanica from Olovo finished the season at the very top of the First League of the Federation of BiH, while FK Rudar Kakanj confidently secured a return to the First League of FBiH.

Stable performances in the Second League of the Federation of BiH were recorded by NK Natron Maglaj, NK Žepče 1919, NK Vareš, and NK Nemila, as well as NK Novi Šeher in the ZDK Cantonal League.

In basketball, KK Orlovik from Žepče finished the season in a high fifth place in the BiH Championship, confirming its status as one of the most stable clubs in the country.

OKK Čelik continued its process of results and organizational recovery, and the pioneer selection secured a spot in the final tournament for the champion of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The women's basketball club Čelik BH Telecom, which has won three championships and five BiH Cups, and was a finalist in the Regional WABA League, once again confirmed its quality by finishing the season in third place in the national championship.

A particular value is the fact that the club currently has six representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina in senior, junior, and cadet categories.

The Athletics Club Zenica continues to dominate the domestic athletics scene. Alongside celebrated national team members Amel Tuka and Mesud Pezer, the club continuously produces new generations of young athletes who achieve top results at domestic and international competitions.

When it comes to handball, RK Krivaja from Zavidovići, RK Maglaj, and RK Bosna Visoko Ekoenergija secured survival in the BiH Premier League and will continue their performances in the highest competition tier next season.

The handball players of ŽRK Krivaja had a particularly successful season, winning third place in the BiH Premier League and reaching the final of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cup.

Significant results were also achieved by the volleyball players of OK Kakanj 78, who finished the season as vice-champions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and finalists of the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cup. The Kakanj team previously won the Federation of BiH Cup, confirming a continuity of top-tier results.

The ZDK Government remains committed to continuing investments in sports, aware that strong sports collectives are an important segment of local community development, promotion of the Canton, and creation of new opportunities for young athletes.

The results so far confirm that investments in club restructuring, youth academies, and competitive selections were justified and represent a solid foundation for new sports successes.