“We Battled Like Lionesses: Adžić Instilled Our Belief in Success”
Adžić following the match against Montenegro, Photo: Handball Association of Slovenia (Facebook)
Slovenia proudly honors its handball players – the team, helmed by Montenegrin coach Dragan Adžić, becomes the first women’s national team from Slovenia to participate in team sports at the Olympic Games.
The Slovenian women made history with a decisive victory over Montenegro for their spot in Paris, dominating the match for the full 60 minutes and rightfully earning their place at the opening ceremony of the Games in Paris on July 26.
“Since Dragan Adžić took on the role of coach, he has opened our eyes and taught us to believe in success,” remarked Slovenian goalkeeper Amra Pandžić, praising the mentor who made history with Montenegro 12 years prior.
The Montenegrin handball players are affectionately known as the “lionesses,” and Nataša Ljepoja believes that the spirit of her friends and herself shone through in Ulm.
“We fought like lionesses and demonstrated it on the field… I think we still haven’t fully grasped the magnitude of our achievement, and the emotions we displayed during the last two minutes of the game might explain how deeply it resonates with us,” Ljepoja stated, as reported by RTV Slovenia.
In 2012, Dragan Adžić secured the first Olympic medal for Montenegro, and now he has crafted a historic Olympic narrative with Slovenia as well. Local media have noted that he maintained composure in the aftermath of the match and highlighted his previous success of winning a silver medal with Montenegro in London.
“We controlled the game for the entire 60 minutes, even though it was incredibly challenging – this illustrates the remarkable stability of this team. Throughout all the crucial matches since my arrival, these players have excelled,” Adžić commented.
Slovenia’s Historic Success Welcomed Today
Slovenian handball players have made history as the first women’s team from the country to qualify for the Olympic Games, yet no one in Slovenia was able to witness this historic moment live on television.
As reported by “Delo,” Slovenia is set to address this oversight today, with festivities planned to welcome the heroes from Ulm at Jože Pučnik Airport.
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