The Budućnost water polo club has reported that a group of their younger members was assaulted by hooligans near the city swimming facilities in Podgorica, resulting in one player sustaining serious injuries.

According to Budućnost, the incident occurred yesterday (Tuesday) after a training session for a group of water polo athletes.

“They were suddenly attacked by several unidentified individuals wearing masks, wielding machetes and baseball bats,” the club stated.

They also noted that a promising young athlete, who represents Montenegro in the younger categories, has suffered significant injuries.

“He earned a silver medal at last year’s European Championship in Podgorica, is a scholarship recipient from the Ministry of Sports and Youth, and embodies all the qualities characteristic of top athletes – he is incredibly calm, well-mannered, loyal, hardworking, a good friend, and an excellent student,” the Podgorica club remarked.

In their statement, Budućnost urged the media to publicize the incident as a means to impact society, emphasizing the need to confront any form of aggression aimed at intentionally inflicting harm, whether psychological or physical.

“We must develop guidelines and mechanisms for support and protection against violence. It is necessary to stop contemplating whether our children are exposed to bullies who seek to dominate them. This type of physical violence can lead to the ruin of sports, education, or any other career path. We must not permit violence to disrupt the rightful journey our children are on,” they stressed.

The club confirmed that the entire incident has been reported to the police.

“We are hopeful that the offenders will be identified and held accountable in accordance with the law.”

News