The Ministry of Sports and the Government of the Republic of Macedonia held a ceremonial ceremony at which National Recognitions were awarded to distinguished Macedonian athletes who left a deep mark in the sports history of our country.
At the ceremony, the Minister of Sports, Borko Ristovski, and the Prime Minister, Hristijan Mickoski, presented awards to numerous sports legends from various team sports - football, basketball, and handball.
Among the winners are our football greats Goran Pandev, Ilija Najdoski and Darko Pancev, who did not respond to the invitation to receive the award.
The awarded athletes are a symbol of dedication, discipline and patriotism. Their success has not only affirmed Macedonia on the world sports stage, but has also inspired many generations of young athletes to follow their path.
With this recognition, the state pays them well-deserved respect and gratitude for their extraordinary contribution to Macedonian sports and national identity.
Goran Pandev:
"The recognition means a lot to me, but it's also not just a recognition for me personally, but for everyone I shared the honor of playing with. My teammates and coaches, everyone who was part of my path to success."
I would like to express my special gratitude to the Football Federation of Macedonia and its President Masar Omeragić for their support for this recognition and their trust in our joint work. I owe more than gratitude to my family. For their unconditional love, sacrifice and support in every step of my journey.
"I am proud that together we wrote one of the most beautiful sports chapters in the history of Macedonian football. But even happier that we inspired new generations to dream, to fight and to believe. I feel proud, but also an obligation to continue to believe in great things."
