DODIK: DRAGAN BATAR LEFT INDELIBLE MARK THROUGH HIS WORK AND STRENGTH OF SPIRIT

BANJA LUKA, SEPTEMBER 28 /SRNA/ – President of Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik expressed deep sorrow and sincere condolences upon hearing the news of the death of sports legend and honorary president of the "Slavija" Boxing Club, Dragan Batar, stating that Batar "left an indelible mark through his work and the strength of spirit with which he inspired generations of athletes."

"His passing is an irreplaceable loss — not only for his family and the club to which he dedicated his life, but also for the entire sporting community, the city of Banja Luka, and Republika Srpska," Dodik wrote on the social media platform X. Dodik emphasized that the memory of Batar will be permanently preserved in the hearts of all who knew and respected him, as well as in the history of sport to which he made an immeasurable contribution. Dragan Batar, who passed away at the age of 86, will be buried today at the Veliko Brdo cemetery in Stratinska, near Banja Luka. Batar was a member of the first generation of the "Slavija" Boxing Club, its long-time president, and a member of its Board of Directors. He fought his first official match in 1962 and was part of a team that won numerous medals and titles.