Today, at the Hilton Hotel in Podgorica, athlete scholarship agreements were signed for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. This ceremony officially marked the beginning of a new Olympic journey, reaffirming athletes as the core of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee’s (MOC) work and vision.
The selection of scholarship holders was based on international results achieved during 2023 and 2024, as well as on the principles of universality and inclusivity.
Over the next three years, until the start of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, the scholarship holders will be supported by monthly grants from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) through its Olympic Solidarity programme. These funds are intended to cover part of the preparation costs for performances at major international competitions, notably the Olympic Games.
Scholarships have been secured for 13 athletes from 9 individual sports, 11 of whom are supported through Olympic Solidarity. For the current summer Olympic cycle, scholarships will be awarded to athletes whose achievements and dedication make them the backbone of Montenegro’s Olympic team: Milivoj Dukić (sailing), Marija Vuković (athletics), Miloš Milenković (swimming), Bojana Gojković (boxing), Tomislav Đinović (boxing), Zinedin Bećović (taekwondo), Andrea Komatina (taekwondo), Jusuf Nurković (judo), Andrijana Šutović (judo), Ilija Marković (sailing) and Tea Nikčević (tennis). These athletes have already been recognised as the bearers of Montenegro’s greatest Olympic ambitions and as symbols of dedication and pursuit of excellence.
Special funds have also been provided to support emerging talents – Miloš Božović (shooting) and Nina Dragović (gymnastics). Their performances and achievements confirm that Montenegrin sport has a broad base and promising potential worthy of attention and support.
“Our athletes are the mirror of Montenegro. They reflect our strength, our youth and our values. They are the voice of our country in the language everyone understands – the language of sport. And they are not only competitors but also symbols of what Montenegro is and what we aspire to be,” said MOC President Dušan Simonović in his opening address.
Speaking on behalf of the scholarship holders, sailor Milivoj Dukić – a four-time Olympian and Chair of the MOC Athletes’ Commission – expressed gratitude for the support and added: “We know that without the support of our families we would not have reached even the first steps in sport – every training session, every early morning, every return from competition is shared with those closest to us. Equally, we need to know that we have the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, our coaches and our federations by our side, enabling us to continue building our careers.”
During the ceremony, a comprehensive preparation programme for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games was also presented. The MOC is implementing this programme in cooperation with Artift from Belgrade and FitRevolution from Nikšić, with the support of the Ministry of Sports and Youth and Olympic Solidarity. The partnership with SIRO Boka Place provides athletes with the most advanced recovery, rehabilitation and training methods. The entire programme focuses on personalised development, care for mental and physical health, and the long-term resilience of Montenegrin Olympians.
“Our role is not to stand by you only when you are winning, but at every step – during training, while facing challenges and overcoming obstacles. Your strength and perseverance are equally valuable when they bring medals and when they build character, both in triumph and in adversity,” Simonović told the athletes.
CONTINUITY IN ATHLETE SUPPORT
Previously, scholarships were also provided for four young athletes who were named the best in their respective categories last year: Jelena Vukčević, Jovana Damjanović, Srđan Janović and Viktor Dukić. They exemplify how talent, hard work and community support can lay the foundations for great sporting stories in the years ahead.
The Montenegrin Olympic Committee is also committed to the long-term development of winter sports in Montenegro. With the support of the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity programme, it will continue to provide scholarships to athletes Eldar Salihović, Aleksandar Grbović, Anastasija Vukasović, Branislav Peković and Bojan Kosić until the conclusion of the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. This ensures continuity of support for athletes whose effort and perseverance pave the way towards competing at the highest winter sporting event.
For team sports, the MOC will secure funds through the team grant programme to support preparations and scholarships for athletes in collective disciplines, recognising the crucial role of team sports in promoting Montenegro on the international stage.
Finally, as before, the MOC will provide dedicated funds for scholarships for coaches of potential and confirmed participants in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, recognising that without skilled and committed coaching staff, there can be no top results or lasting success.
“This year alone, nearly two-thirds of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee’s budget has been allocated directly and indirectly to athletes and federations – through scholarships and other forms of support for federation activities, participation in competitions, preparations and training. This is concrete proof that our priority has always been, and will always remain, the athletes,” emphasised MOC President Dušan Simonović.
By awarding these scholarships, the Montenegrin Olympic Committee once again reaffirms its strategic commitment to advancing Montenegro’s sports system, developing elite athletes, and encouraging young talent. This programme is not merely a financial contribution but a clear message to athletes that the MOC and the entire sporting community believe in them, follow their progress and wish to be their strength on the path to success. The Montenegrin Olympic Committee will continue to enhance its athlete support programmes in line with its strategic documents and international Olympic standards, to ensure that Montenegrin sport remains recognised on the regional, European and global sporting stage.
