First Press Conference of the ISF U15 Gymnasiade – Zlatibor, Serbia 2025
Jan 28, Zlatibor, Serbia – ISF U15 Gymnasiade 2025 hosted its first press conference in Zlatibor. As the largest ISF event of this year, ISF U15 Gymnasiade will take place between April 4-14, in Zlatibor and its surrounding region. This event will bring together young school athletes from around the world to compete in 25 sports, including 4 parasports, and to enjoy a series of cultural exchange and education activities.
The press conference took place during an ISF inspection visit which includes a series of site visits and function area meetings. In the press conference, Serbian Minister of Sports Zoran Gajić, pointed out that, for the first time, such a large competition would be organized outside the largest cities of Serbia, Belgrade and Novi Sad.
"This event is more than just a sports competition—it is a great opportunity to promote Serbia globally.” Mr. Gajić also emphasized the Gymnasiade’s significance beyond sports, highlighting its role in showcasing Serbia's infrastructure and hospitality.
ISF Executive Committee member and President of Serbian School Sports Federation, Zeljko Tanasković underscored the broader mission of the event: "The main goal of such an event is to support education, healthy life and intercultural differences through sports activities. What is very important is that this event is not only a competition, but works to develop other values in young people, creates character, leadership and collective spirit."
The local representative Nikola Novakovic, Director at Zlatibor tourist and recreational complex, assured that local arenas, stadiums and halls are in smooth preparation for this event, “This is the largest, most numerous sporting event in Europe for 2025 and we have the pleasure of being the holders of this business and to present Serbia and the entire Zlatibor region in the best possible light. The world will be able to bring the most beautiful impressions from the Zlatibor region.”
After a few on-site inspections and meetings with local organizing committee, ISF Sport Director Saurabh Mishra expressed his confidence in the event preparations and thanked the Serbian government and Zlatibor for their support for the ISF event.
“The venues are in excellent condition and fully meet ISF requirements. The setup here is quite unique compared to previous events, offering a great environment for school sports, especially with the favourable spring weather.
We greatly appreciate the commitment of the host towns in the Western Serbia region, whose efforts are key to ensuring a successful event,” said Saurabh Mishra, "Zlatibor will provide an excellent environment for the athletes."
During the inspection visit, Mr. Mishra and ISF Event Director Uros Savic will continue to inspect sports facilities in Zlatibor and nearby towns, as well as accommodation and meeting facilities for athletes. They will also hold a series of meetings with Serbia’s national sport federations on technical support during the Games.
In the final two months leading up to the event, ISF and its Technical Committees, the Local Organising Committee, and the National Federations of Serbia will ensure a well-structured and efficient preparation process with effective coordination and timely exchange of information.
