Dragan Primorac receives European Olympic Committee backing for HOO presidency bid

Prof. Dr. Dragan Primorac, a noted scientist, former minister of science, education and sport, and former national sports federation leader, has formally entered the race to become president of the Croatian Olympic Committee (HOO). After submitting a candidacy document with 59 supporting signatures, he presented his vision for Croatian sport, emphasizing transparency, athlete‑centered policies, infrastructure development and the attraction of major international events.

The Health and Anti‑Doping Commission of the European Olympic Committees issued a letter of support signed by its president, Dr. Mark Stuart. The letter praises Primorac’s “deep and long‑standing dedication to the Olympic movement,” his dual expertise in sport, medicine and science, and his contributions to anti‑doping work. It states that his “unique experience… would be of exceptional value for the further development of the Croatian Olympic Committee.”

Primorac’s résumé includes authoring the Croatian Sports Law that saved several professional clubs from bankruptcy, overseeing the construction of 211 school sports halls, and increasing youth sport participation from 100,000 to 230,000. He holds leadership positions in multiple national health and sports commissions, heads the Croatian Taekwondo Federation, and directs the St. Catherine Special Hospital, the first official hospital of the World Taekwondo Federation.

The HOO assembly to elect its president is scheduled for 29 July, with Primorac and fellow physician Josip Varvodić as the two candidates.