The young paraswimmers from Bosnia and Herzegovina performed for the first time in the history of the European Paralympic Games, which officially ended with a gala dinner and closing ceremony in Istanbul.
Our swimmers won three medals in the absolute competition, while in the younger junior category they won six medals.
Ismail Barlov, the current Paralympic vice-champion from Paris, marked his debut at the EPYG2025 by winning the gold medal in the 150-meter individual medley. His performance was dominant, and the new medal is additional confirmation of his world class.
Ismail Zulfić also shone – in the 50-meter butterfly he reached silver, but also broke his personal and national record, which is another significant feat for this young athlete who is once again inspiring the entire nation.
Minister Sanja Vlaisavljević congratulated to the BiH team at the European Paralympic Games in Istanbul on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Sports, and on her personal behalf:
“Our dear athletes, paraswimmers, the Dragons! All the sporting successes of our national team members are equally important and deserve deep respect. But your medals deserve a special shine! Your medals are a symbol of hope, struggle and victory over victories! Your medals are a symbol of incredible strength, fearlessness and an indicator that obstacles and limits can only exist in our heads. Our dear heroes, Zulfić and Barlov and all participants of the BiH team at the Paralympic Games, we sincerely admire you and once again congratulate you from the bottom of our hearts!” said the minister.
The third BiH swimmer, Ališan Omerbašić, successfully passed the international classification and thus acquired the basic prerequisites for participation in major competitions. At the Youth Games, he competed in four disciplines where he managed to break two personal records.
More than 650 competitors from 31 European countries participated in the Games, and the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina was carried by our Ismail Zulfić at the closing of the Games.
