Ilija Kovtun wins silver medal in men's pommel horse

Croatian gymnast Ilija Kovtun secured a silver medal in the pommel horse final at the World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam. Scoring 14.900, the 23-year-old finished behind China's Zou Jingyuan, who took gold with 15.733, and ahead of Russia's Daniel Marinov, who earned bronze with 14.866.

This achievement marks Kovtun's first world championship medal representing Croatia, following his decision to compete under the Croatian flag after fleeing the war in his native Ukraine. He has since established himself as a top-tier competitor, previously winning Olympic silver in Paris and multiple European titles.

In addition to the sporting recognition, Kovtun is eligible for a 7,000 euro state reward from Croatia for his performance at the world championships.