151ST NEVESINJE OLYMPICS CONCLUDED WITH HORSE RACES

NEVESINJE, AUGUST 17 /SRNA/ - The 151st Nevesinje Olympics concluded with traditional horse races at Bratački Lug near Nevesinje.

Following several days of competitions, accompanied by a rich cultural and entertainment programme, the Olympic flag was lowered, marking the end of another celebration of Serbian tradition and chivalry.

A total of 1,550 competitors from 10 countries took part in this year's Nevesinje Olympics. Competitions were held in 23 sports and 55 disciplines.

The main horse race drew the most attention from the local crowd, with the winner's trophy and top prize staying in Nevesinje.

In an exciting finish that was decided in the final moments, Solider Haven, owned by Petar Đurasović of Nevesinje, was the first to cross the finish line, earning the top cash prize of BAM 6,000.

The second prize went to Radovan Mitrović from Nikšić, while Marko Ostojić from Žabljak finished third.

The race for Arabian horses was no less dramatic. The winner was decided by a photo finish, with Zimzelen, owned by Miljan Ostojić from Žabljak, narrowly beating Munja, owned by Milorad Janjušević from Han Pijesak. Vlado Bijelović from Banjani crossed the finish line in third place.

In the small race for Bosnian mountain horses and crossbreeds, the dominance of competitors from the Durmitor area seen last year was repeated. Novo Karadžić from Žabljak excelled on the track, taking both first and second places on the podium.

In addition to the horse races, Bratački Lug was the scene of traditional knightly contests, where both young and old sought to demonstrate their strength, skill and sporting prowess.

In the ever-popular rope pulling competition, teams from Ugljevik, Brod, Prigrevica, Gacko and Nevesinje tested their strength.

Srpski Soko from Nevesinje showed the greatest strength and skill, defeating old rivals Džimi Komerc from Prigrevica in the final.

Petar Ilić successfully defended the gold medal he won last year in the stone-throwing competition.

Judging by today's results, Nevesinje Olympics champion Aleksandar Krajišnik from Šabac is likely to remain a dominant force at traditional folk gatherings for years to come. He won three gold and two silver medals, making him the most successful competitor at the 151st Nevesinje Olympics.

He was the best among 16 competitors in the log-fighting competition, while in the sack race he made light work of his rivals. He had the hardest time reaching the top spot in the high jump.

Among the many visitors to Bratački Lug was Republika Srpska Prime Minister Savo Minić.

The prize fund amounted to BAM 65,000. The Nevesinje municipal authorities organized the event under the auspices of the Republika Srpska Government.