Croatian police welcome sporting champions to their team

(Photo: MUP RH)

ZAGREB, 12 November – Croatia’s Ministry of the Interior and the Croatian Olympic Committee recently signed a new cooperation agreement to enhance the development of sports within the police.

This partnership has opened opportunities for elite athletes and coaches to contribute their skills and experience to the Ministry’s activities.

Today, at the “Prvi hrvatski redarstvenik” Police Academy, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Davor Božinović signed contracts with 16 athletes, representing sports including boxing, gymnastics, wrestling, judo, karate, shooting, taekwondo, and para sports.

These athletes will play a significant role in developing sports activities for the Ministry, bringing their expertise to preventive and ceremonial activities, training sessions, and competitions.

(Photo: MUP RH)

This collaboration results from a recent agreement aimed at strengthening sports development within the Ministry. It includes provisions for equipping sports facilities, acquiring equipment, and engaging top athletes and coaches. Minister Božinović emphasised the importance of athletes’ support for police officers, who face highly demanding roles daily.

He extended his gratitude to the Croatian Police, Police Academy officials, and key partners in the Croatian and Paralympic Olympic Committees. Welcoming the athletes, he said, “You are part of a new home here within the Ministry. This collaboration promises inspiration for both you and our young officers.”

Olympic medallist Barbara Matić spoke on behalf of the athletes, expressing appreciation for the trust placed in them.

(Photo: MUP RH)

Former MMA champion Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipović, who has been volunteering as an instructor for police personnel, congratulated both the Ministry and the athletes, noting the common practice in many Western countries of integrating elite athletes into law enforcement roles.

(Photo: MUP RH)

In line with its commitment to equality, the Ministry signed contracts with several top para-athletes, reinforcing efforts toward inclusive employment practices that have been in place for over two years.

Ratko Kovačić, President of the Croatian Paralympic Committee, highlighted the value of para-athletes’ participation, calling it a major step forward in fostering both physical and mental resilience among police officers. He remarked that this partnership is a “win-win” for all involved, illustrating the unifying power of sport.

(Photo: MUP RH)

Croatian Olympic Committee President Zlatko Mateša added that few professions blend sport and daily duties as seamlessly as policing does. He encouraged officers to draw inspiration from these athletes to further develop their own skills.

The 16 athletes contracted are:

Luka Pratljačić and Gabrijel Veočić (boxing)

Filip Ude (gymnastics)

Ivan Huklek and Pavel Puklavec (wrestling)

Zlatko Kumrić and Barbara Matić (judo)

Anđelo Kvesić and Ivan Kvesić (karate)

Andrej Kedveš (kickboxing)

Miran Maričić (shooting)

Josip Teskera (teakwondo)

Anđela Mužinić Vincetić (para table tenis)

Ivan Mikulić (para teakwondo)

Marijana Kiuk (karatea trener)

Saša Mrđenović (boxing trener)