Vucic hosts presidents of World Athletics and European Athletic Association

President of the Republic of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic today received President of World Athletics Sebastian Coe and President of the European Athletic Association Dobromir Karamarinov.

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In addition to Coe and Karamarinov, the first man of the Athletics Federation of Serbia, Veselin Jevrosimovic, and director Slobodan Brankovic attended the meeting. The president of Serbian Olympics Committee Bozidar Maljkovic was also present.

The reason for the meeting is the Cross-Country World Cup, which will be held in Belgrade on Saturday starting at 11:00.

A wide range of issues related to the future of the "Queen of Sports" and its further development in our country were brought up during the meeting. The participants looked back at the past competitions that both Serbia and the entire athletics world are proud of, both the European Indoor Championships in 2017 and the World Indoor Championships held in 2022 held in the Belgrade Arena, which was rated as the best indoor athletics competition so far in history.

"I am happy to welcome you ahead of this great competition tomorrow. We will have a lot more investment in athletics and I think it will pay back through a good and healthy spirit. Thank you for always being glad to come to our country and showing respect for our country. Thank you once again," said Vucic.

In conversation with Karamarinov, President Vucic pledged that the work on the National Athletics Stadium will start by the end of this year, to be completed in 2027, when Serbia will be able to apply to host World and European outdoor championships.

"Serbia is a country of sports, but also a great host country for all people working in sport and friends of sport on the planet. Our hospitality is famous and the whole sporting world is talking about it. In athletics, we are considered a favorite destination, so it is not surprising that world-class athletes, Olympic champions, will participate in the Cross-Country World Cup and we'll be able to watch them in our capital, fighting to win more medals," said Slobodan Brankovic, adding:

"No country in the region, when it comes to sports, including athletics, has had such support from the government, and we are endlessly grateful to President Vucic and all the people from his team who stand behind us and our struggle for the progress of Serbian athletics, which enjoys great respect around the world."

Coe also thanked President Vucic for recognizing the importance of athletics and helping with its development.

(Telegraf.rs)