SARA ĆIRKOVIĆ: FAITH GUIDED ME THROUGH EVERY STEP IN BOXING

BELGRADE, APRIL 20 /SRNA/ - Serbian boxing champion Sara Ćirković congratulated Easter and pointed out that from the first day in the profession she chose, her faith guided her through every step in boxing.

The 20-year-old representative of Serbia, originally from Bratunac, in the midst of preparations for the biggest challenge in her career so far, the match for the professional title of world champion that awaits her in seven days in Banja Luka, dedicated the day to the greatest Christian holiday, Easter, which she celebrates with her family, colleagues from the Serbian boxing selection and selector Mirko Ždralo, the Boxing Federation of Serbia announced.

Ćirković, Anđela Branković, Anastasija Lukajić and the coach Ždralo were welcomed by abbot Luka in the Karno monastery, where they received a blessing and where they traditionally beat Easter eggs in the Christian spirit on the occasion of Christ's Resurrection.

"Christ is Risen! Let us have a happy and joyous Christian holiday, the victory of life over death, good over evil, light over darkness. As always, the holiday of holidays, I spend Easter with my family, but this time also at work, because I can't stop training," Ćirković said.

She mentioned that the match against the Frenchwoman Mulai is just seven days away and added that she is going to Banja Luka with faith in God and expects to win.

"From the first day in the profession I chose, faith guided me through every step I took in boxing. I wake up with faith, work with faith, lie down with faith and look forward to every new day. Faith is my athletic identity," Ćirković emphasized.

A match for the world professional title in eight rounds in the category up to 53.5 kilograms, the current champion of Europe, senior and up to 22 years old, and bronze medalist from the World Championship 2025, the young Serbian boxing heroine Sara Ćirković boxes against the Frenchwoman Roman Mulai on April 27 in the "Borik" hall at the IBA "Night of Champions".

"It will be a celebration of noble skill that will be warmed up by 16 boxers in eight fights before this duel, among which the colors of Serbia in the men's line-up at the boxing spectacle in Banja Luka will be defended in their weight categories by six representatives of the Serbian national team," the announcement states.

The Boxing Federation of Serbia points out that many Christian athletes attribute their inner drive to a deep conviction that encourages their dedication and turns ordinary efforts into extraordinary achievements.

"It is like the wind beneath their wings, pushing them towards goals that once seemed unattainable. This belief system deeply affects their way of thinking, creating a powerful combination of passion and purpose," the statement added.

Ćirković said that there is an unshakable bond of faith and self-confidence.

"Invisible fuel of belief, deep belief that comes not only from training but from something much bigger, faith leads us to great sporting moments, triumphant victories through astonishing comebacks," Ćirković said.

Ćirković added that faith is what inspires her confidence and nurtures a resilient attitude, even in the midst of failure or challenges.

"Faith is a source of inspiration that energizes and revitalizes when I'm having a hard time, it's my anchor during difficult moments in matches, but also on all days when it's hard, when you need to find a reason to persevere. Athletic motivation based on faith is what can ground you and strengthen your spirit," Ćirković explained.

Two days before her 21st birthday, Ćirković will fight for the title of world champion.

The Boxing Federation of Serbia indicates that after the match in Banja Luka, she has one great wish that has been standing for many years, to visit the monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija.

"I love monasteries, I visit them regularly, especially one near Bratunac. However, my great desire is to visit the monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija," Ćirković said.

Ćirković said that for years coach Mirko Ždralo and she have been planning to visit the Serbian shrines in the southern Serbian province, but due to constant obligations regarding the competition, they have not yet realized that wish.

"I believe that after the match in Banja Luka, and I believe with the world championship belt, we will head to the monasteries in Kosovo and Metohija. The journey of sports, underlined by faith, goes beyond physical strength, it touches the very essence of who we are and what we want to achieve," Ćirković concluded.