NOVI SAD NAMED EUROPEAN CITY OF SPORT 2026, ACES EUROPE: RECOGNITION FOR EXEMPLARY SPORTS POLICY
The City of Novi Sad, by the decision of the European Federation of Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES Europe), has officially received the title of European City of Sport for 2026. In the official congratulatory message sent to the city by the President and Founder of ACES Europe, Mr. Gian Francesco Lupatelli, it is stated that Novi Sad received this recognition thanks to its exemplary sports policy, widely available sports programmes, high-quality infrastructure and strong engagement in the field of health, education, inclusion and promotion of respect.
"Your city has shown a strong commitment to the core values of the ACES organization and deservedly becomes part of its international family," it was pointed out in Lupatelli's address.
This prestigious recognition is a strong confirmation of the many years of strategic work and systematic investments of the City in the development of sports, sports infrastructure, support for young athletes, as well as improving the quality of life of our fellow citizens through the promotion of physical activity and healthy lifestyles.
– As the Mayor of Novi Sad, and on behalf of all institutions, athletes, coaches, teachers, volunteers and all those who have invested effort in this success, I extend my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to all citizens of Novi Sad, but also to all citizens of Serbia. This is our joint recognition of our love for sport, for selfless support, for the spirit of togetherness that adorns us. The recognition that Novi Sad received as the European City of Sport for 2026 is the result of our consistent and continuous commitment to the development of sport. In recent years, we have made numerous investments in sports infrastructure, worth over EUR 35 million, from the construction and reconstruction of sports halls, fields and facilities, bicycle paths, to strong support for school, club and amateur sports. We continue to invest in sports. This year, we will allocate 988 million dinars. At the same time, we will continue to invest in the development of culture, education and environmental protection, the improvement of communal infrastructure and the economic development of the city. This title not only encourages the further development of sport, but also gives a strong impetus to tourism, international cooperation, cultural exchange, education, social inclusion and the promotion of public health. Novi Sad shows that it is a city that believes in togetherness, and through sports it proves it every day – said the Mayor of Novi Sad, Žarko Mićin.
The ceremony on the occasion of awarding the title will be held at the end of 2025 at the European Parliament in Brussels, where Novi Sad will be presented as one of the leading European cities in the field of sports. On that occasion, our city will compete for an additional recognition – the title of "European City of Sport of the Year".
NOVI SAD HOSTS THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP IN GIREVA SPORT IN 2027 WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF ATHLETES FROM 50 COUNTRIES
In 2027, Novi Sad will host the World Kettlebell Championship, it was announced at a press conference held at the Serbian Orthodox Church 'Vojvodina', organised by the Kettlebell Team, and with the support of the City of Novi Sad. On that occasion, a member of the City Council for Sports and Youth, Tatjana Medved, reminded that Novi Sad had already hosted this championship in 2019, when over 500 athletes from 31 countries arrived in our city.
– Sport plays a vital role in the life of the community in Novi Sad, and it is through the candidacy of Novi Sad for the title of 'European City of Sport 2026' that we have presented ourselves as a city that supports all forms of sports activities and that we are a city of sports for all. Thanks to the organization and holding of this and many other mass sports competitions at the national and international level, we enable every sports event in our city to be conducted in the best possible conditions and in a sporting spirit, which has earned us the status of a top host. By supporting the organization of the 2027 World Championships, we continue to confirm our commitment to the development and promotion of sport and all the values that sport and physical activity provide to each of us – said Tatjana Medved.
Girevoj sport is one of the most demanding sports disciplines and involves a combination of strength, endurance and technique in lifting special weights ("bells"), and our fellow citizen Nemanja Najvirt, multiple world champion, has been promoting our city and Serbia around the world with his results for years.
The World Federation of Kettlebell Sport aims to promote the use of kettlebell lifting and to disseminate kettlebell-related sporting activities and sports disciplines as psychophysical and moral training, through the management of any form of competitive, recreational or any other type of motor activity.
The latest results from the World Championships held in Spain were also presented at the conference, where our competitors won three gold and one silver medal, competing in two disciplines and four categories. Also, the establishment of the Kettlebell Team Association, which aims to promote, develop and massify this sport in Serbia, was officially announced. The next major international competitions are also planned – World Championships in Hungary and the United States of America – where our representatives will defend the colors of Serbia and Novi Sad.
The Kettlebell team invites all citizens to join them in training and become part of the next generation of champions.
The conference was attended by Nemanja Najvirt, three-time world champion in the sport of golf, and Miloš Marić, founder and representative of the Kettlebell team. In the end, the organizers expressed their gratitude to the City of Novi Sad and Mayor Žarko Mićin for their selfless support and understanding of the importance of this sport.
CANDIDACY THAT CARRIES THE SPIRIT OF VICTORY: NOVI SAD ON THE WAY TO THE EUROPEAN CITY OF SPORT 2026
A press conference was held in the Ceremonial Hall of the City Hall in Novi Sad on the occasion of Novi Sad's candidacy for the prestigious title of European City of Sport 2026, organised by the Federation of European Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES Europe).
The attendees were addressed by the Mayor of Novi Sad, Žarko Mićin, Member of the City Council for Sports and Youth, Tatjana Medved, as well as members of the ACES Europe Evaluation Committee, Isabel Bonal, Berislav Čižmek and Fabrizio Santangelo.
Mayor Žarko Mićin emphasized that this candidacy is a natural step for a city such as Novi Sad.
"The candidacy of Novi Sad for the title of European City of Sport 2026 is an exceptional honor, but also a great obligation for our city. This is an opportunity for Novi Sad to further strengthen its position on the European map, not only as a cultural and tourist destination, but also as a city that lives sport and recognizes its role in the quality of life of every individual. I believe that the members of the commission have recognized how much our city invests in sports and how important it is for all citizens of Novi Sad. Over 130,000 citizens of Novi Sad are actively involved in sports, we have built more than 240 sports and recreational fields, while 150 kilometers of cycling trails contribute to a healthier lifestyle. With a record investment of 980 million dinars, we confirm that sport is one of our priorities. However, what is most valuable and what sets us apart are the people. Kindness, hospitality and the spirit of togetherness make Novi Sad special. This is the spirit we want to bring to Europe and the world. I am convinced that, as the European City of Sport, we will even more strongly encourage a healthy lifestyle, solidarity, inclusion and sports culture.
A member of the City Council for Sports and Youth, Tatjana Medved, pointed out that the visit took place in a very positive atmosphere.
"We had the opportunity to present to our guests how sports work in Novi Sad, from mass and school sports, through infrastructure, to professional sports. The Commission expressed great satisfaction with what it saw, which encourages us in our candidacy. Novi Sad is already alive with the sporting spirit, and we are sure that with this title we would make an additional step forward – said Medved.
Berislav Čižmek, a member of the ACES Europe evaluation committee, praised the city's efforts.
- Novi Sad pleasantly surprised us. There is a systemic approach to sport, the availability of content to all generations, as well as a strong connection between sport and culture, education and urban development. This is exactly what we are looking for from a European city of sport – he pointed out.
ACES Europe's decision on awarding the title of European City of Sport for 2026 will be made within two weeks in Brussels, and Novi Sad is one of the leading candidates in that race.
As part of the official visit, the representatives of the commission had the opportunity to get acquainted with the sports infrastructure of the city. The visit began with a presentation at the Cultural Station "Svilara", and continued with a tour of sports venues including outdoor fitness courts along the Boulevard of Europe, Kej, Petrovaradin Fortress, Sokolski dom, SPENS, sports complexes in Futog and Sajmište.
TATJANA MEDVED CONTINUES HER TOUR OF SPORTS FACILITIES IN NOVI SAD AS PART OF HER CANDIDACY FOR THE EUROPEAN CITY OF SPORT 2026.
After a successful tour of the sports facilities during the morning, a member of the City Council for Sports and Youth, Tatjana Medved, continued the tour with the ACES Europe evaluation committee, which is visiting Novi Sad as part of the candidacy for the European City of Sport 2026.
In the second part of the day, the delegation visited the sports complex in Futogu, which includes outdoor courts, a swimming pool and a sports hall. They also visited the sports complex at Sajmište with a shooting range, which is also one of the important places for the development of sports disciplines in Novi Sad.
"We continue to show all aspects of our sporting potential. The tour of Futog and Sajmište shows how much Novi Sad invests in infrastructure and develops sports at all levels, which is very important for our candidacy," said Medved.
The members of the commission praised the city's infrastructure, as well as the increasing involvement of citizens in sports, which is one of the key criteria for awarding the title of European City of Sport.
DELEGATION OF THE ACES EUROPE EVALUATION COMMITTEE VISITED SPORTS FACILITIES IN NOVI SAD AS PART OF THE CANDIDACY FOR THE EUROPEAN CITY OF SPORT 2026
As part of the candidacy of the City of Novi Sad for the prestigious title of European City of Sport 2026, a joint tour of sports facilities in the city was held today, which was attended by a member of the City Council for Sports and Youth, Tatjana Medved, and members of the ACES Europe Evaluation Committee – Izabel Bonal, Antonio Garde Fernandez-Fonteča, Berislav Čižmek and Fabrizio Santangelo.
During the morning part of the tour, the delegation visited the outdoor fitness courts along the Boulevard of Europe, Kej, Sokolski dom, SPENS, Petrovaradin Fortress. In the second part of the day, the evaluators will continue to visit other sports venues in the city.
After the first part of the tour, a member of the City Council for Sports, Tatjana Medved, expressed her satisfaction with the visit so far and emphasized the importance of this candidacy for the development of sports and recreational infrastructure in Novi Sad.
"We are very proud to have the opportunity to show our guests how much Novi Sad invests in sports, both at the professional and recreational level. We are particularly pleased that the members of the Commission have positively assessed the diversity and availability of sports facilities to our fellow citizens. This is a confirmation that we are on the right track to take the title of European City of Sport 2026. A few years ago, the bear was killed.
The tour will continue in the afternoon, after which the commission will continue with the evaluation of the candidacy of the City of Novi Sad.
NOVI SAD'S CANDIDACY FOR THE EUROPEAN CITY OF SPORT 2026 PRESENTED AT THE 'SVILARA' CULTURAL STATION YEAR
A ceremonial presentation of Novi Sad's candidacy for the title of European City of Sport 2026 was held at the 'Svilara' Cultural Station. In the presence of numerous guests from sports, cultural and public life. The candidacy was explained by the Mayor of Novi Sad, Žarko Mićin, and the member of the City Council for Sports and Youth, Tatjana Medved, and the candidacy was supported by the Minister of Sports, Zoran Gajić, the Minister of Environmental Protection, Sara Pavkov, and the Provincial Secretary for Sports, Dane Basta. Members of the Evaluation Commission of the Federation of European Capitals and Cities of Sport (ACES Europe) also addressed the attendees: Isabel Bonal, Antonio Garde Fernández-Fonteča, Berislav Čižmek and Fabrizio Santangelo.
The Mayor of Novi Sad, Žarko Mićin, pointed out that Novi Sad is proudly competing for this prestigious European title, because it is a city that "lives sport 24 hours a day, all 365 days a year", and that Novi Sad athletes have made a great contribution to the flag of Serbia flying on many winners' podiums, from club competitions to European and World Championships. and the Olympics.
"I am pleased that the representatives of ACES Europe will be able to personally see for themselves the extraordinary resources and capacity of the sports infrastructure of the city of Novi Sad, which is available to successful athletes, but also to recreational, student and inclusive sports. There are more than 1,097 sports clubs, organizations and associations in Novi Sad. More than 134,000 citizens of Novi Sad are engaged in sports, professionally or amateurly, and over 200 sports events are held in the city every year.
He emphasized that there is no successful sport without a developed infrastructure and that since 2012, more than 35 million euros have been invested in the construction of sports fields and facilities.
"We have managed to build more than 240 sports fields, children's playgrounds, outdoor gyms, large and small street work out courts, fitness courts for young people. A new Olympic swimming pool was built and opened in Futogo. Investments have been made in the reconstruction of football fields, and the construction of new gyms in schools. In our city there are a total of 26 football fields and 79 fields for basketball, futsal and handball. Then there are 51 outdoor gyms, 75 tennis courts, more than 4.1 kilometers of jogging tracks, 10 small and large "street workout" courts, 55 school gymnasiums, three gymnasiums and 11 athletic tracks at schools, and as many as 113 children's playgrounds. And athletes and citizens have 5 large and 3 small swimming pools at their disposal," said Mićin.
He reminded that fundamental investments in sports, as well as other areas, were possible thanks to the strong economic growth of the city.
"In order to invest in sports, we had to develop the economy. With the support of President Aleksandar Vucic and the Government of Serbia, in the last 13 years, we have opened 14 new factories and increased the city budget three times. It is this growth that has enabled us to allocate a record 980 million dinars for the development of sports this year," he emphasized.
Mićin also pointed out that Novi Sad pays significant attention to the improvement of sports through the development of cycling infrastructure and cycling.
- We have a network of 150 kilometers of bicycle paths, of which 50 kilometers have been built since 2012. years, in which 5.8 million euros were invested. In order to promote cycling as an environmentally friendly form of transport, Novi Sad is 2021. In 2010, he was the first in Serbia to launch a campaign to support citizens for the purchase of bicycles. Over the past four years, the purchase of 6,336 bicycles has been supported. We continue to invest. This year, we are building another 20 kilometers of bicycle path to Irmovo, 2 basketball courts and 15 children's playgrounds. We expect the construction of the pedestrian and bicycle bridge to begin soon. We are planning the reconstruction of the Karadjordje Stadium, the construction of an athletic stadium and the renovation of the Serbian Orthodox Church "Vojvodina". We are developing our city in accordance with the needs of citizens, and sports fields and environmental protection are at the top of the list of our priorities," said Mićin.
Minister Pavkov and Minister Gajić pointed out that the Government of the Republic of Serbia will continue to support projects of Novi Sad in the field of sports and environmental protection, and City Council member Tatjana Medved especially thanked the representatives of sports organizations who contributed to the preparation of the candidacy.
Representatives of ACES Europe praised Novi Sad's commitment to the development of sport as a social value, stressing that during the visit they will visit key locations and infrastructure capacities in order to make a decision on awarding the title of European City of Sport.
MORE THAN 500 YOUNG BADMINTON PLAYERS FROM 28 COUNTRIES AT THE XIII "SERBIAN U17 & YOUTH INTERNATIONAL 2025" IN Novi SAD
From 18 to 22 June, Novi Sad will host the most prestigious and largest European cup and international tournament for young badminton players "Serbian U17 & Youth International 2025", which will be held at the Sports and Recreation Centre "Slana bara". On this occasion, a member of the City Council for Sports and Youth, Tatjana Medved, attended the final match and the awarding of medals to the best players for categories up to 15 years of age.
Novi Sad is a city of sports, and this year's edition of the tournament, which brought together 500 competitors and over 1000 participants from 28 countries, contributes to the status of the tournament as one of the most important events in the world of youth badminton. Novi Sad has once again shown its role as an excellent host when it comes to organizing such big tournaments, which is what made us decide to run for the prestigious title of European City of Sport 2026, which I am convinced we will win," said Tatjana Medved.
The organizers thanked everyone for their support, pointing out that the City of Novi Sad and the Republic of Serbia once again confirm the reputation of the best hosts of sports events in the region.
MIĆIN OPENED THE PRESTIGIOUS HANDBALL TOURNAMENT: NOVI SAD ONE STEP CLOSER TO THE TITLE OF EUROPEAN CITY OF SPORT
The Mayor of Novi Sad, Žarko Mićin, officially opened the 15th jubilee International Beach Handball Tournament, which this year is being held for the first time under the name 'Memorial to Branislav Radišić', in memory of the founder of beach handball in Serbia, the bronze medalist from the World Championship. The organizer of the tournament is the Handball Club "Adut", and the competition lasts from June 20 to 22 on the beach "Strand".
"It is a great honor for me, as the mayor, to have the opportunity to greet competitors from different countries who are in Novi Sad these days – a city of open doors, culture, youth and sports. I am especially proud that this year's tournament bears the name of a great man and athlete, Branislav Radišić, who with his energy and vision laid the foundations of beach handball in Serbia. The city of Novi Sad continuously invests in the development of sports and youth. With the recent budget rebalance, the funds for this area have been increased from 931.5 to 988.5 million dinars. This is a clear indication of our commitment to support all sports initiatives, from children's schools to top sport. For these reasons, Novi Sad has been very proud to apply for the title of European City of Sport in 2026 – because we believe that our city deserves this recognition – said Mayor Mićin addressing the audience and added – I expect that the stands of 'Strand' will be filled with sportsmanship, fair play and good energy that characterizes Novi Sad.
The Mayor thanked the organizers, volunteers, partners and all those who have been contributing to the success of the tournament for years, emphasizing that sand sport is not only a competition, but also a way of life, socializing and promotion of healthy values.
With the support of the City Administration for Sports and Youth of the City of Novi Sad and the Handball Federation of Vojvodina, this sports event has become one of the most important preparatory tournaments in the region and has been officially included in the calendar of the European Handball Federation (EHF) and is part of the prestigious European Beach Tour (EBT).
TONIGHT WE CELEBRATE THE SPIRIT OF SPORT AND COSMOPOLITAN: MAYOR MICIN AT THE OPENING OF THE EUROPEAN TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP FOR VETERANS
The opening ceremony of the European Table Tennis Championship for Veterans was attended by 200 performers in a rich cultural and artistic programme, and the attendees at the Master Centre of the Novi Sad Fair were addressed by the Mayor of Novi Sad, Žarko Mićin, Minister of Sports, Zoran Gajić, Provincial Secretary for Sports and Youth, Dane Basta, President of the Table Tennis Federation of Serbia, Predrag Nicic, as well as the President of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Petra Sorling. The opening ceremony was also attended by the celebrated table tennis players Borislava Perić Rankovic and Slobodan Grujić.
"At this European tournament, we celebrate the spirit of sport and cosmopolitanism, celebrate the highest human values and abolish all borders. Sport is not just a competition, sport is much more than that, it is also a lifestyle and a school of life, and that is why the City of Novi Sad is investing 988.5 million dinars in the development of sports this year. Our city is officially aspiring to the title of European City of Sport for 2026, and I am sure that the image from this mega event will complete our presentation, i.e. candidacy. I would like to thank the European Table Tennis Union, the Table Tennis Federation of Serbia and all other actors who contributed to Novi Sad once again showing how good it is to host sports events of the highest rank - said Mayor Mićin and added - Table tennis in a way wrote our history, because one of the symbols of Novi Sad, our SPENS, was built for the needs of the World Table Tennis Championship in the 1980s. Novi Sad is also recognizable for the best table tennis player with disabilities in the world, Borislava Perić Ranković, who brought Olympic gold to our country, but also for other very successful table tennis players such as Slobodan Grujić.
The prestigious European competition will be held from 15 to 22 June at the Novi Sad Fair. The most massive sporting event in Serbia, after the World Universiade in Belgrade, will gather over 6,000 guests, or 3,360 participants in 11 categories, from 40 to the oldest category over 90 years old. In addition to the competition, which is played on as many as 150 table tennis tables on almost 10,000 m2 in the two largest halls, guests have access to almost 100,000 m2 of indoor and outdoor space of the Novi Sad Fair with stalls of various food and drinks, souvenirs and other items, as well as the counters of tourist and other organizations where Novi Sad, Vojvodina and Serbia are more closely represented. Among the competitors from Serbia there are many former champions, but also amateurs. Our most famous name is Aleksandar Karakašević in the men's competition, and Stanislava Stanić Dimanić in the women's competition.
WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF 640 CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE, THE 'NOVI SAD 2025' FALCON RALLY BEGAN IN THE COURTYARD OF THE SOKOL HOME
Member of the City Council for Sports and Youth, Tatjana Medved, attended the opening of the Falcon Meeting - Gymnastics Days for All 'Novi Sad 2025', organised by the Falcon Society 'Vojvodina' in cooperation with the City of Novi Sad, the Falcon Federation of Serbia and the Gymnastics Federation of Serbia.
- For 120 years, the Sokol Society and Novi Sad have been the center of gymnastics. The City of Novi Sad is proud that this year's rally, which is held in the year of this important jubilee, brings together more than 640 children and young people from seven sports clubs from all over Serbia. We can rightly say that these courts where we gathered, and the building of the Sokol Society, today represent the gymnastics capital of Serbia. Since its establishment in 1905, the Falcon Society "Vojvodina" has been responsible for the preservation of the original principles, traditions and values of the Sokol Movement and its gymnastic system, which are a healthy spirit, solidarity, discipline and togetherness. The development of sports and sports infrastructure are among the important priorities of the city, which is why we have applied for the European City of Sport 2026. In the wide range of sports and organizations that we support, the Falcon Society "Vojvodina" has a great importance and that is why we have supported their programs this year for 5.3 million dinars. I wish all participants a nice and pleasant stay in Novi Sad, to enjoy the performance of gymnastic skills of their peers, to make many new friends and to take the most beautiful memories from our city that they will remember for a long time," said Tatjana Medved.
With over 250 medals a year from various competitions in women's and men's artistic gymnastics, the Falcon Society "Vojvodina" is the most trophy-winning and most massive gymnastics society in the country, given that about 800 girls and boys and about 50 recreational athletes train every day.