"The inclusion of elite Croatian athletes into the Ministry of the Interior system has been made possible through the new Cooperation Agreement between the Ministry of the Interior and the Croatian Olympic Committee. This is the best indicator of the Ministry’s systematic efforts to enhance sports within the system," the Ministry of the Interior said in a press release on its website.
Before these three athletes, 16 athletes and coaches signed identical contracts in November 2024, marking the first step toward employment at the Ministry of the Interior. This will be followed by amendments to the Internal Organisation Regulation and Internal Rules, as prepared by the Ministry’s expert services.
“I am honoured by this opportunity and look forward to our future cooperation. I think this is a good step and a great example for future and current police officers and all Ministry employees,” said 20-year-old skier Zrinka Ljutić, who celebrated her first World Cup victory in slalom on 29 December in Semmering, Austria.
Among the signatories on Thursday was current world kickboxing champion and European champion in both kickboxing and Muay Thai, Ivan Bertić.
"It's a great honour for me to have signed this contract. I want to thank the Minister. This will certainly make my future performances easier, and I look forward to collaborating with the Ministry and sharing my knowledge with the police," said Bertić.
The third signatory, Vito Košar, also comes from a combat sport. He is a world champion in Muay Thai in the senior elite category (under 86 kg).