Sports Montenegro has suffered a significant loss today with the passing of Petar Porobić, a legendary figure in water polo, who died at the age of 67.

Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović, Prime Minister Dritan Abazović, and water polo clubs Primorac and Jadran, along with his esteemed players from the golden era in Malaga, Nikola Janović and Milan Tičić, paid their respects to Porobić.

“I received the heartbreaking news of the sudden passing of our esteemed sports expert and head coach of the national water polo team, Petar Porobić. On this somber day for sports, I wish to honor him and express gratitude for leading our country to the pinnacle of water polo success – clinching a gold medal at the European Championship in 2008 in Malaga, and for his enduring contributions to the advancement of sports in Montenegro,” Milatović shared on the X platform.

He emphasized that Porobić left a lasting legacy.

“His loss is monumental, affecting not only his family and friends but also all sports enthusiasts and the broader Montenegrin society,” highlighted Milatović.

Prime Minister Dritan Abazović noted that Porobić’s impact, work, and achievements transcended sports, causing the entire nation to grieve.

“With disbelief and profound sorrow, I learned of the passing of one of our greatest sports educators, gentlemen, and coaches. Mr. Petar Porobić confirmed his greatness through remarkable results across swimming pools worldwide – from Kotor, Novo, and Bečej, to Montreal, Malaga, Berlin, and Beijing,” Abazović remarked.

He mentioned that Montenegro will cherish the memory of the European gold with pride.

“He was the courageous Bokelj, who demonstrated dignity and humility in both significant victories and rare defeats. No narrative of Montenegrin sports can overlook Petar’s brilliance. His shining legacy serves as a beacon and an inspiration for anyone aspiring towards the highest echelons of sports achievement,” Abazović stated.

The Water Polo Association of Montenegro bid farewell to Porobić as well.

“Petar will be remembered as the coach who secured Montenegro’s first gold medal, leading his ‘sharks’ to victory at the 2008 European Championship in Malaga,” VPSCG asserted.

His great coaching career was highlighted by the VPSCG.

“As the coach of Serbia and Montenegro, he triumphed in Montreal in 2005. He also achieved great success with Jadran, reaching the Champions League final. Porobić’s last position was in China, after leading the German national team and participating in the Tokyo Olympics with the Chinese women’s national team. His playing career was predominantly with Primorac, where he transitioned into coaching. While he had diverse interests, his love for water polo always took precedence,” the VPSCG press release elaborated.

Simonović: A great, good man who infused warmth into every conversation

Dušan Simonović, the president of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, expressed his condolences for Porobić.

“The unexpected news of Petar Porobić’s passing has deeply impacted me. He left an indelible mark on Montenegrin sports and enriched the lives of all who knew him,” Simonović reflected.

He noted that Porobić’s illustrious career as a coach is a testament to his commitment to water polo and exceptional coaching talent.

“Among the many accolades throughout his impressive career, his position as coach of the Montenegrin water polo team during the 2008 European Championship in Malaga stands as a remarkable memory. Under his guidance, Montenegro achieved historical success, clinching the coveted gold medal. His ability to motivate and direct our athletes towards victory was truly extraordinary.”

“One of the most significant moments in our country’s sports history was undoubtedly Montenegro’s first appearance at the Olympic Games after regaining independence. Coach Porobić was pivotal for our team during the Beijing Games in 2008, where our athletes proudly represented our nation. His leadership and mentorship during that pivotal event will remain permanently etched in our memories.”

Simonović described Porobić not only as a distinguished Montenegrin coach but also as a noble and kind individual who radiated warmth and positivity in every interaction.

“He was a mentor, a companion, and a role model for numerous athletes and future coaches. On behalf of the Montenegrin Olympic Committee, I express my sincerest condolences to Porobić’s family. We share your grief and loss, and we will eternally honor his legacy. His memory will continue to inspire future generations of athletes and coaches in Montenegro and worldwide. Rest in peace, dear Pero,” Simonović concluded.

Primorac and Jadran say goodbye

Water polo club Primorac reflected on Porobić’s illustrious career.

“Petar Porobić, the legendary Montenegrin water polo coach, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 67. His journey began with VK Primorac, where he also represented the youth national team of Yugoslavia. He began coaching in 1982, managing VK Primorac, VK Bečej, Jadran from Herceg Novi, and the Russian club Šturm. Porobić led several champion generations, taking Montenegro to victory at the European Championship in 2008 and securing world gold for Serbia and Montenegro in 2005. He also coached the national teams of Germany and China, and we extend heartfelt condolences to his family,” Primorac announced on Facebook.

Porobić also successfully guided Jadran, Montenegro’s second-largest club, where he played in the Champions League final.

“An exceptional strategist, he followed a successful chapter at Jadran from 1997, leading the team to three consecutive championship titles and two cups. He remained with Jadran until 2008, and had been involved with the national teams since 1999. He took over as head coach in 2004, and in the following year, helmed the team to world gold,” stated Jadran.

After Montenegro regained independence, he took charge of the national team and led them from their first friendly match until 2011.

“Along with the gold in Malaga, he also secured the World League title in Podgorica in 2009 and a silver in the following year. He was at the helm during the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, guiding the ‘sharks’ to the semifinals,” they added.

Janović, Tičić, Premuš…

Nikola Janović, one of Porobić’s standout players, spoke about their collaboration in national teams and at the Adriatic level.

“My dear, Pero. Coach, selector, friend. Thank you for all you’ve imparted to me, from advice and lessons to unwavering support. Great individuals remain unparalleled because their achievements render them immortal. A profoundly sorrowful day for all of us,” Janović expressed.

Also part of the national team that Porobić guided to the European gold in 2008, Milan Tičić shared his sentiments.

“Farewell Pero! Goodbye friend, coach, teacher. Thank you for guiding us during our peaks and troughs. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your team. Rest peacefully, dear Pero,” Tičić expressed.

Former Croatian center Danijel Premuš worked alongside Porobić at Jadran.

“Farewell, Pero. Thank you for your teachings. I hoped to see you in Rijeka to bid goodbye, but time escaped us. My heart is heavy. My sincere condolences to the family,” Premuš wrote on Facebook.

The Secretariat for Culture and Sports of the Capital City highlighted that Porobić was a cherished friend.

“The unexpected departure of this legend and valued friend marks a sorrowful day for Montenegrin water polo, sports, and Montenegro as a whole. Porobić was instrumental in revitalizing water polo in Podgorica and contributed significantly to promoting the sport in our city. The Secretariat for Culture and Sports expresses its deepest sympathies to the Porobić family,” the announcement stated.

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