The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games were the highlight of the year, with Croatian Paralympians delivering outstanding performances and securing four medals. Anđela Mužinić Vincetić claimed gold in para table tennis, while Deni Černi earned silver in para athletics. Dino Sinovčić and Luka Baković each took home a bronze medal, in para swimming and para athletics, respectively. Beyond the Paralympics, 2023 was a landmark year, marking 60 years of organized para sport in Croatia.

It was also a year of remarkable success on the international stage, with Croatian para-athletes achieving an impressive 207 medals at 76 world and European competitions, including 73 gold, 72 silver, and 62 bronze medals.

"Para-athletes embody resilience and determination, proving that no challenge is impossible to overcome. Their dedication and passion remind us that success is not just about medals and trophies but about perseverance, breaking barriers, and striving for more every day. What fills me with the greatest pride is seeing Croatian para-athletes inspire and empower children and young people with disabilities, showing them that dreams are always within reach," remarked HPO President Ratko Kovačić during his speech.

The title of Best Female Para Athlete was awarded to Anđela Mužinić Vincetić, who secured gold in the WS3 category of para table tennis at Paris 2024. This triumph marks the pinnacle of the 31-year-old Split native’s career, adding to her previous Paralympic team medals - silver in Rio (2016) and bronze in Tokyo (2020) - won alongside Helena Dretar Karić. Over the years, she has also collected 14 medals at World and European Championships. 

The honor of Best Male Para Athlete went to Deni Černi, who clinched silver in shot put (F33 category) with a new personal best of 12.18 meters at Paris 2024. A seasoned competitor, Černi previously earned bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, finished third at the 2023 World Championships in Paris, and holds a European Championship silver from Berlin (2018) and a bronze from Bydgoszcz (2021). 

The award for Best Para Sports Team was presented to Mirjana Lučić and Borna Zohil, who achieved a fifth-place finish in mixed doubles para table tennis at Paris 2024.

The title of Best Young Para Athletes was shared by Borna Zohil (Para Table Tennis) and Sara Marić (Para Athletics), recognizing their exceptional performances.

The recognition for Best Coach was awarded to Mirela Šikoronja Ivančin, the dedicated coach of Anđela Mužinić Vincetić.

The Milka Milinković Award, presented in honor of the legendary Croatian Paralympian, was awarded for the seventh time. The 2024 recipient is Emil Gubica, recognized for his long-standing contribution to para table tennis and his role in developing the sport.

The award for Outstanding Media Promotion of Para Sport went to Darko Matić, who dedicated 15 years to serving as the spokesperson for the Croatian Paralympic Committee, significantly contributing to the visibility and recognition of para sport.

The title of Best Para Athletes in Non-Paralympic Disciplines was awarded to Luka Drokan (Arm Wrestling) and Nermina Mehulić (Blind & Visually Impaired Bowling) for their achievements in their respective sports. Finally, the Para Sport Rising Stars award was given to Daniel Nakić (Boccia), Marin Govorko (Boccia), and Valentina Valenteković (Para Table Tennis).

We extend our deepest congratulations to all the winners on their incredible achievements. Their dedication and resilience continue to inspire us all. We are honored to stand by their side and remain committed to supporting and promoting para sport in Croatia.

Photo credit: HINA