Currently there are 31 top athletes who have contracts as reserve troops in the Croatian Army and the number is expected to reach 40 by the end of the year.
Chief-of-Staff Mirko Sundov underscored that the army was constantly creating conditions for physical activities for troops.
"This is the year of the Croatian soldier' preparedness and activity, and we are particularly pleased that troops include 31 reservists who are top athletes and who in their way contribute to promoting the reputation of the Croatian army in the world. I can say that by the end of the year, their number could be increased by another 9 top athletes," Sundov said.
Speaking on behalf of the athletes, Martin Sinkovic underscored that the the security of being an army reservist was exceptionally important to them.
President of the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO) Zlatko Matesa expressed his gratitude to the Defence Ministry for accepting top athletes into their reserve ranks and in that way enabling them to achieve sports results.
"Just how successful the cooperation between the army and athletes is can best be seen in the fact that in the past three Olympic cycles, of the 18 medals won, 13 were won be athletes who are members of the Croatian army," Matesa said.
An agreement between the Defence Ministry and HOO was signed in September 2010 following positive examples in other European countries that employed top athletes in the ministries of defence, interior affairs, finance and so on.