The historic city of Dubrovnik recently hosted the third "Diplomatic Badminton Tournament". An event organized by the Croatian Badminton Association in partnership with the Czech Embassy, under the auspices of the Croatian Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This initiative showcased the power of sports diplomacy in fostering international cooperation.
Uniting Diplomacy, Sports, and Economy
Ambassadors and state officials, including Czech Ambassador Milan Hovorka and Croatia’s State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Zdenko Lucić, participated in the event. Lucić noted, “The combination of sports, diplomacy, and the economy deviates from the usual diplomatic events, creating a meaningful platform for dialogue.”
Signing a Milestone Agreement
A significant outcome of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the badminton associations of Croatia, Serbia, and Slovenia. Andrej Pohar, Vice-President of Badminton Europe, remarked, "Such initiatives demonstrate to us at the umbrella organization for badminton in Europe – Badminton Europe (BEC) – that even smaller countries, smaller associations, with few people but effective work and ideas, can achieve great things."
Sports as a Catalyst for Tourism
The event highlighted the potential of sports to drive tourism and support local communities. “Events like these can extend the season and benefit tourism,” said Josip Pavić, State Secretary for Tourism and Sports. This initiative aims to strengthen local engagement and economic development through sports.
Strengthening International Relations Through Badminton
Reflecting on the event’s success, Ambassador Hovorka stated, “Badminton brings people together and strengthens ties between nations.” The event was a testament to how sports can break down barriers and build enduring international relationships.
The tournament ended on a high note, with participants committed to using sports diplomacy as a tool to foster unity and collaboration among countries.