Plenković meets gymnast Ilija Kovtun after European Championships success

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković hosted Ukrainian-born gymnast Ilija Kovtun, along with representatives of the Croatian Gymnastics Federation and the Croatian Olympic Committee, following the recent European Gymnastics Championships in Zagreb.

Kovtun, who competed for Croatia for the first time at the championships, won two medals. He is also an Olympic silver medalist on the parallel bars.

“I was very happy to compete and make my debut in Zagreb, at a Croatian venue. The audience was very supportive, which was great, and I think it helped me achieve these results,” Kovtun said.

Plenković thanked Kovtun and the organizers for showcasing Croatia in the best possible light.

“I think we all enjoyed this competition. Croatia has demonstrated that it is an excellent host. When we met last week, before these medals were won, I got the impression that you had organized the competition so well that the World Gymnastics Federation was encouraging you to host the World Championships. If you decide to do so and win the bid, you will have the Government’s full support,” Plenković said.