His journey with the “sharks” commenced in 2013 when then-coach Ranko Perović began to integrate him into Montenegro’s national team as the promising talent from Budva. Two years later, during the World Championship in Kazan, Dejan Lazović participated in a major competition and has since showcased remarkable goalkeeping skills, earning two European medals that now adorn his neck…

After guarding our national team’s goal for over a decade, he recently suggested that his chapter might be closing—especially at a time when he was recognized as the finest water polo player in Montenegro.

“Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028? That’s quite a challenge. I believe my national team career may conclude in Paris. My club career will extend a few more years,” said Lazović as he accepted the 2024 award for best player at the Water Polo and Swimming Association of Montenegro ceremony.

Just ahead of the Paris Games, the Montenegrin goalkeeper donned the “shark” cap for the 200th time and had previously earned recognition as his home nation’s best water polo player two years ago.

He bagged two medals with Montenegro, both from European Championships—silver in 2016 and bronze in 2020. Additionally, he has a gold medal from the 2018 World League.

Lazović emphasized his successful club season with Trieste, while expectations remain high for the upcoming Games in Paris.

“Sadly, it didn’t conclude as we had envisaged. The new talent is coming in with coach Dejan Savić, and I’m optimistic that the Olympic cycle heading to Los Angeles could be very beneficial for us,” added Lazović.

He also shared his thoughts regarding the appointment of the new “Ajkuk” coach.

“Savić is a remarkable figure, one of the most renowned in water polo. There’s no need to elaborate on his achievements and victories. I am confident that under his guidance, we have a promising future,” asserted Lazović.

Srdjan’s Year

As Lazović contemplates retirement, the son of his former teammate Nikola Janović is on the rise within the “sharks”—Srđan Janović, captain of the junior team that clinched European silver, has emerged as the leading young water polo player in Montenegro.

During the championship in Burgas, he was named the best player of the tournament and was also part of the under-18 team that earned a bronze medal at the World Championship in Argentina, while securing the national title and the Cup of Montenegro with Primorje.

Janović was also recognized as the best young athlete by the Montenegrin Olympic Committee yesterday.

“Such accolades mean a lot, and it’s an honor to be chosen as the best young water polo player and athlete in Montenegro. This year, at the European Championship in Burgas and the World Championship in Argentina, we demonstrated that this generation is capable of great things and expectations are justifiably high. I’m pleased with our club’s results; we’ve won the championship and recently the Cup,” Janović remarked.

He commented on carrying a legacy surname in water polo.

“It’s not a burden for me, but rather additional motivation to train harder,” Janović expressed firmly, emphasizing that new generations possess talent, and with continued effort, they could once again bring European gold to Montenegro.

Jovana and Miloš Named Best Swimmers, Special Honor for Marić

The VPSCG also named its top swimmers for 2024, recognizing Jovana Kuljača and Miloš Milenković.

This year, Jovana participated in the Olympic Games for the first time and won her qualifying race in Paris, though it didn’t secure her a spot in the semi-finals.

Milenkovic also made his Olympic debut, but his year was highlighted by numerous national records broken in both senior and junior competitions.

He concluded 2024 with a new record in Budapest at the World Championship in short-course pools, along with gold and a new national record at a meeting in Switzerland.

A special award was given to former VPSCG president Đur Marić for his effective leadership of the Association and significant contributions to its achievements during his tenure.

Milić: Sharks Inspire Pride, Emphasis on Swimming

Nikola Milić, president of VPSCG, celebrated the accomplishments of Montenegrin water polo athletes from the country’s small talent pool.

“Our sharks have achieved remarkable results that fill us all with pride—three major competitions in eight months and another Olympic berth, the fifth in our history. Our pride intensifies as we look to younger generations: three competitions, three semi-finals, and two medals. From this small yet incredibly talented nation, we send a message to the world that with hard work, commitment, and belief, dreams that once seemed unattainable can become reality,” Milić emphasized.

He stressed that the presence of two clubs in the Champions League (Primorac and Jadran) speaks volumes about the bright future of water polo, while the new senior team in Podgorica, represented by Budućnost, highlights water polo’s growing appeal across Montenegro.

He expressed intentions to place greater focus on swimming…

“We aim to dedicate special attention to swimming, as it forms the foundation of all water sports. Enhancing our participant base, improving infrastructure, and motivating children to enter this realm are our key objectives,” concluded Milić.

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