For those who may not be as familiar with handball, the standout player during the 26th World Championship for Montenegro was Dijana Mugoša.

Initially joining the national team through unconventional means and stepping into the spotlight after being in the shadow of Majda Mehmedović, her performance in Helsingborg, Gothenburg, and Herning won the hearts of fans, ending the tournament as the top scorer for her team with an impressive 43 goals. This achievement came just one year and two months after she suffered a significant injury.

“I am proud of the team and myself; the comeback was great. I did everything I could to play for my country, and I hope I met everyone’s expectations,” remarked Mugoša.

It wasn’t easy for her, nor for teammates Ivona Pavićević, Nina Bulatović, and young Anastasia Marsenić, who had the challenging task of filling the shoes of Mehmedović and Jovanka Radičević—two of the best wings in the world, alongside former player Radmila Petrović.

“These are our top wings, but we strive to be worthy successors, and I hope we are. We’re giving our all to translate our club performance to the national stage, and I believe we’ve accomplished that.”

Mugoša missed nearly the entirety of last season due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament. She was unable to compete in the European Championship, leaving her without a medal, but this season she has been excelling in both the national team and with her club in Romania.

“I feel fantastic, as if nothing has happened. That misfortune doesn’t bother me anymore. Let’s keep pressing forward.”

In some games, she has also taken on the role of right wing.

“It’s not too unfamiliar for me, as we prepared for the possibility at the Olympic Games. If Jovanka needed a replacement on the right wing, I was ready. I’m accustomed to it now; my goal is to contribute, no matter my position.”

Montenegro is competing for one of the two Olympic spots against Germany, Slovenia, and Paraguay, and the 28-year-old from Podgorica is hopeful about making it to Paris.

“After this championship, I believe our chances are excellent. We’re going to give our best, as always; we’re filled with confidence and thrilled with our performance at the championship. We are maturing into skilled players and are determined to secure our Olympic ticket,” Mugoša concluded.

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