GOLDEN OLYMPIANS FROM MUNICH REUNITE IN DERVENTA

The town of Derventa has welcomed members of the legendary handball team that won the gold medal at the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich, one of the greatest achievements in the history of Yugoslav sport.

PHOTO: Ustupljena fotografija

Mayor Igor Žunić hosted a reception for the delegation, which was led by the renowned handball goalkeeper from Derventa, Abas Arslanagić.

The delegation also included Hrvoje Horvat from Bjelovar, Zoran “Tuta” Živković from Niš, Milan Lazarević from Belgrade and Slobodan Karalić from Banja Luka.

Derventa pays tribute to sporting legends

Mayor Žunić emphasized that Derventa is proud of its rich sporting tradition and the achievements of athletes who have brought international recognition to the town.

“Winning an Olympic gold medal is one of the greatest accomplishments in sports. We are especially proud that this remarkable generation has remained united and continues to meet after so many years,” Žunić said.

He also described Abas Arslanagić as one of Derventa’s most distinguished citizens and a man whose name is permanently engraved in the history of handball.

Exhibition dedicated to Olympic champions

As part of the programme, an exhibition entitled “Ako and Friends – Golden Olympians, More Precious Than Gold” will open this evening at the Cultural Centre in Derventa.

Fadil Pelesić said that hosting the famous athletes was a great honour for the town and invited citizens and visitors to take advantage of the opportunity to meet some of the greatest names in the history of the sport.

Promotion of a book about Abas Arslanagić

The event will continue on Saturday with the presentation of the book “Abas Arslanagić – Ahead of His Time in Technique and Speed”, written by Milica and Fadil Pelesić.

The promotion will begin at 10 a.m. at the Cultural Centre, where handball enthusiasts and admirers of the celebrated goalkeeper are expected to gather.