The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bisera Turković, today handed over a diplomatic passport to young Bosnian swimmer Lana Pudar.
Turković pointed out that Lana’s medals in recent months brought special joy, that the whole country was impatiently waiting for her performances.
“You made us proud. Your success is an inspiration to young generations. Not only to progress, but to do so in Bosnia and Herzegovina, as you have done. We are all touched by your optimism, that is, towards the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and patriotism. In challenging times like this, it takes on a deeper and much greater significance,” said Turković and added:
“It is my pleasure to hand you the diplomatic passport of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I believe that it will be a relief and a small contribution to the continuation of your successful career. We are all aware that the financing of sports is not systematically resolved at the state level. It is necessary for the state to develop its capacities in all segments and be able to systematically help athletes. This is something that we will have to permanently solve in the period ahead.
The fact is that you shined on the world stage despite the difficult conditions. You deserve the biggest gold medal. You proudly wear the flag of Bosnia and Herzegovina, I want you to wear the passport that I am handing you with pride,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The European champion thanked for the kind words and said that it is a big deal to get a diplomatic passport of the country at the age of 16.
“It is an honor and a pleasure to receive a passport. It means a lot to me. I managed to get there at the age of 16, that’s a big thing,” Pudar said.
