Jovan Kostadinov to receive International Young Courage Award in Sweden
The 21‑year‑old from Vinica is among the 2026 awardees after rescuing 21 people from the Puls nightclub fire in Kocani on 16 March 2025, which killed 63.
Twenty-one-year-old Jovan Kostadinov from Vinica is one of the recipients of the International Young Courage Award for 2026, the Swedish Embassy in North Macedonia announced. The award recognises his actions during the deadly fire at the Puls nightclub in Kocani on 16 March 2025.
Kostadinov rescued 21 people in the blaze that claimed 63 lives. According to the embassy statement, he entered the burning venue after soaking himself and placing a wet T‑shirt over his mouth and nose to help reach and bring out trapped patrons.
At his high school in Vinica they described his actions this way: "Our Jovan got completely wet, put a wet T‑shirt over his mouth and nose and thus saved 21 lives from the fire in the Kocani nightclub," they say about the Vinica high‑school student in his gymnasium.
Recognition in Stockholm
Ambassador Ola Solstrom met today with Kostadinov and his sister, Jovana Kostadinova, to present the award and pay tribute to his bravery. The meeting was held so the embassy could deliver the recognition personally.
The International Young Courage Award highlights acts of youth bravery and civic action; Kostadinov's nomination points to his immediate response during one of the country’s deadliest recent fires. Authorities recorded 63 fatalities in the Kocani incident on 16 March 2025.
Local reactions in Vinica and at Kostadinov’s school have focused on his quick decision to risk his own safety to help others, and the award will bring international attention to his deed.
Photo: Shvedska ambasada)
