The Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sport has announced significant support for international sporting events taking place in Croatia in 2026. During a ceremony in Zagreb, Minister Tonči Glavina awarded 60 contracts worth a total of €13.8 million to organisers of major international competitions across a wide range of sports.
The funding is part of the government’s ongoing effort to strengthen Croatia’s position as a host of high-level sporting events. The selected competitions were chosen through a public call for proposals aimed at co-financing international sports events scheduled for 2026.
Through this initiative, Croatia will once again welcome numerous international competitions, reinforcing its reputation as a destination capable of hosting top-tier sporting events and contributing to the continued development of sport and sports tourism in the country.
Among the projects recognised within this program is the international beach handball tournament Jarun Cup, which has been included among the 60 supported events for 2026.
Matija Šulc, President of the Jarun Cup Organising Committee, expressed great pride in this recognition:
“We are happy and proud that the international beach handball tournament Jarun Cup has been recognised as an elite competition among the 60 approved projects. This is an exceptional acknowledgment for all our partners, volunteers, and members of the organising committee, as well as for all teams and players whose contribution makes it possible to organise a tournament of this level.”
He also emphasised the importance of continued cooperation and support for the growth of the sport.
“With these funds and with the support of our partners, especially the Zagreb Handball Federation, we can promise further growth and stronger promotion of beach handball in Zagreb and across the entire Republic of Croatia.”
The Jarun Cup continues to grow each year, bringing together top beach handball teams and athletes from across Europe and beyond. With the recognition from the Croatian Ministry of Tourism and Sport, the tournament further strengthens its status as one of the key beach handball events in the region and an important platform for the development and promotion of the sport.