Tino Radanović wins 311th Sinj Alka for third time

by croatiaweek
August 9, 2026
in Entertainment

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Marko Beljan)

SINJ, CROATIA, 9 August 2026 – Tino Radanović has been crowned the winner of the 311th Sinj Alka, securing his third victory in the historic Croatian equestrian competition.

Radanović previously won the prestigious title in 2007 and 2016, making this his third victory in a career in the Sinj Alka.

The Sinj Alka, Croatia’s best-known traditional knights’ competition, is held every year in the town of Sinj in the Dalmatian hinterland. The event commemorates the local victory over Ottoman forces in 1715 and has been recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Marko Beljan)

Following this year’s competition, Croatian President Zoran Milanović, who was patron of the event, presented Radanović with a ceremonial sword and a gold ring bearing the Croatian coat of arms.

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Marko Beljan)

“Congratulations on a brilliant race and an excellent result,” Milanović told the champion, also congratulating the other riders and competitors for what he described as an exceptional Alka.

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Marko Beljan)

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Marko Beljan)

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Marko Beljan)

Earlier in the day, Milanović attended the traditional Vojvoda’s reception at the Alka Knights’ Court. There, Stipe Jukić, president of the Knights of the Sinj Alka Association, presented him with a commemorative brass alka.

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Marko Beljan)

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Marko Beljan)

The Sinj Alka takes place each August and remains an important part of Croatia’s cultural heritage, bringing together competitors, local residents and visitors for a tradition that has continued for more than three centuries.

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Marko Beljan)

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Marko Beljan)

(Photo: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Marko Beljan)

After the competition, Milanović described the Alka as a popular celebration and gathering connected to the memory of a historic victory, while expressing wishes for peace, good health and prosperity ahead of next year’s event.