Croatian veterans hold sports tournaments to mark Statehood Day

On May 30, Croatia's Statehood Day, veteran and volunteer groups organized sports competitions in Topusko and Petrijanic. In Topusko, the Association of Volunteers and Veterans of the Croatian War of Independence hosted a daylong event featuring chess, billiards, electronic p shooting, fishing, bowling and table tennis, attended by about 150 former fighters from eight local branches. Deputy mayor Mihael Jurić opened the program and participants honored the fallen with a minute of silence and flower offerings.

A similar memorial tournament took place in Petrijanic under the name “Jovan‑Hrženjak‑Tenko”. The ceremony included the national anthem, a moment of silence, candle lighting and prayers, with representation from the Ministry of Veterans (Laura Rodeš) and numerous local veterans' associations. Both gatherings emphasized remembrance of the sacrifices made during the Croatian War of Independence and reinforced community bonds.