European Olympic Committees (EOC) President Spyros Capralos paid tribute to the Olympic Committee of Bosnia and Herzegovina at a celebration to mark its 30^th anniversary.

Bosnia and Herzegovina have sent athletes to all Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games in the past 30 years, as well as hosting the 2019 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival in Sarajevo.

They have also won medals at both the 2019 and 2023 European Games, and President Capralos hailed their achievements on behalf of the EOC.

President Capralos said: “In the 30 years since your NOC was recognised by both the IOC and the EOC, you have achieved an incredible amount. As well as sending athletes to all Olympic Games and Olympic Winter Games in the past 30 years, Bosnia and Herzegovina has proven an invaluable member of the European Olympic Family.

“Today, we visited the Igman and Bjelasnica mountains, where the alpine and cross country skiing and snowboarding were held at the 2019 Winter European Youth Olympic Festival here in Sarajevo. I am sure everyone here agrees that it was a fantastic event.

“The EYOF also showed the power of sport for peace and unity. It brought together young athletes from all European countries and allowed them to experience many different cultures for the first time.

“Bosnia and Herzegovina helped us portray that strong message to the world. Your athletes and coaches are also delivering a strong message to the world with your sporting ambition.

“It was wonderful to see athletes from Bosnia and Herzegovina winning silver medals at the last two European Games, with Larisa Cerić in judo at Minsk 2019 and Nedzad Husić in taekwondo earlier this year in Poland.

“I hope that next summer you will be able to celebrate your first Olympic Games medal at Paris 2024.”

The Bosnia and Herzegovina NOC marked the occasion with a programme of events that included tours of the Olympic mountains Jahorina, Igman and Bjelasnica, as well as receptions at both the Olympic Museum in Sarajevo and the NOC’s headquarters.