Volleyball on Water event well-received by players and fans alike
News
This past weekend, Ljubljana played host to the first Volleyball on water tournament in the world, a sporting event that captured the hearts of spectators and participants alike and left a profound impression on everyone in attendance. The fusion of Volleyball and innovation envisions a bright future.
The re:do Volleyball on Water tournament at the iconic venue set between Fishmarket’s Footbridge and the Triple Bridge attracted players from eleven countries - Brazil, Croatia, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Hungary, the Netherlands, Italy, Poland, and Serbia – plus Slovenia. The high level of volleyball showcased during the event exceeded everyone’s expectations and left the sheer number of spectators from all over the world excited to witness the event.
In the women’s competition, Slovenia’s Nina and Tajda Lovšin took the glory by claiming the gold medal. “I am very happy that we won and that I had the opportunity to play with my cousin Tajda, with whom I get along very well on the court. We played at a pretty high level. I already had a fond memory of last year’s promotional event, and I was thrilled when I found out that the organisers decided to go one step further and make the event a real competition. We hope that they will continue to do so in the future because it was an amazing event. We all enjoyed taking part in it,” Nina Lovšin said after the victory.
Adam Štoček and Martin Melmuka of Czechia emerged victorious in the men’s competition after beating the home favourites Tadej Boženk and Josip Pribanić in the finals.
Adam Štoček“It is hard to sum up my impressions so soon after the end, but I have never felt anything like this. It was incredible. I really have no words. The spectators were amazing, so was the organisation and I cannot find a single flaw. I think that volleyball on water has a future and that we should organise tournaments all over the world. Maybe even as its own series of tournaments, because it is completely different from Volleyball and Beach Volleyball. Really fantastic."
The Most Valuable Player titles were awarded to Tajda Lovšin and Martin Melmuka.
Looking ahead with optimism, the President of the Volleyball Federation of Slovenia Metod Ropret eagerly anticipates the expansion of volleyball on water events: “We can all be happy to say that another very successful volleyball event is behind us. The fact is that volleyball on water has been used only as a promotional activity for the European Championship in 2019 and the World Championships in 2022, but the response has always been overwhelming. That is why we have tried to make something more out of it, and I believe that what we have seen this past weekend are the first beginnings of what is likely to become part of a successful volleyball promotion. Maybe one day also a competition series around the world.”
