After a victory against the Czech Republic (28:24), the Montenegrin handball team secured 7th place in the 26th World Championship.

This marks their third-best ranking at the World Championship, having finished fifth in 2019 and seventh in 2017. While there is disappointment due to a controversial refereeing decision in the quarter-finals against Denmark, the performance of this young national team is commendable, especially after losing their most experienced player, 33-year-old goalkeeper Marta Batinović, at the start of the main round.

“What matters most is that we completed the tournament in good health, and, of course, with a win. I regret the match against Denmark, but I am returning home content, knowing we gave our all and gained valuable experience. This will be crucial for upcoming gatherings and qualifications. We eagerly await Marta’s recovery and return, as I believe we are in the process of building a stronger national team that can face any challenge,” stated Marina Rajčić, the oldest member of this squad at age 30.

The captain feels optimistic about the potential of the “lionesses.”

“There are many positive outcomes. We were without several players, some of whom have retired, but once others return, we’ll have a formidable team. We just need to ensure they integrate smoothly and pick up where we left off today.”

Alongside Jovanka Radičević and Majda Mehmedović, Marina Rajčić is one of the few Montenegrin handball players to have participated in three Olympic Games. They are determined to become the first to compete in four Olympics in Paris, facing Slovenia, Paraguay, and the loser of the 5th place match between the Netherlands and Germany.

“We will give it our all and won’t take this lightly. This is our dream, the dream of a new generation of ‘lionesses.’ We will train through our clubs to ensure we are well-prepared for the qualifications,” remarked Romanian goalkeeper Magura Ćisnadije.

News