IGNJATOVIĆ WELCOMES EMELIANENKO AND HAILS SPORTING TIES WITH RUSSIA

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 17 /SRNA/ – Republika Srpska Minister of Family, Youth and Sports Irena Ignjatović emphasized today, after hosting legendary Russian MMA fighter Fedor Emelianenko, that Republika Srpska and Russia have always shared a special bond and that athletes help build and strengthen those ties.

Ignjatović told reporters she believed Emelianenko’s visit would motivate martial arts athletes in Republika Srpska to improve further and follow his example in striving for the highest achievements.

She said it was a great honor and pleasure to welcome one of the greatest mixed martial arts fighters to the Ministry of Family, Youth and Sports and wished him a warm welcome to Republika Srpska.

"Fedor is a great fighter, but also a great man who respects our country and our people, and we wanted to thank him and congratulate him on everything he has achieved in his career," Ignjatović said.

She added that she had heard Emelianenko was known as "The Last Emperor", which, she said, reflected the esteem in which he is held in the sporting world and the scale of his career achievements.

During the reception, Ignjatović presented the Russian sports legend with an icon of St. George.

Emelianenko said this was not his first visit to Republika Srpska, noting that he had previously visited sites associated with the suffering of Serbs at Kozara and Jasenovac and that he was familiar with both the history of Republika Srpska and current developments.

He said he was aware that Banja Luka was a city with a strong sporting tradition and added that he and Minister Ignjatović had agreed to work together on developing combat sports in Republika Srpska.

Emelianenko said he was ready to help coaches and champions in the future improve the level of combat sports in Republika Srpska.

The Russian sports legend is also scheduled to visit Borac Football Club on Thursday for talks with club officials, after which he will visit the Parents' House.