For the fifth consecutive year, Podgorica is set to host the European Junior Championships. In a historic move, the European Handball Federation (EHF) has entrusted one nation with the organization of two events in the same year.

The European Championship for women’s under-19 teams kicks off on Wednesday. From July 30 onwards, the capital will welcome the continent’s top female handball players under the age of 17.

The junior national team will commence the European Championship with a match against Lithuania on Wednesday at 17:00 at the Bemaks Arena. Alongside Lithuania, the team’s coach Igor Marković will lead them against Denmark and Iceland.

Only the top two teams from the group will secure a spot in the main round.

“I am pleased with our preparation efforts and believe we have utilized them effectively. The men’s team from Lovćen significantly aided us, allowing us to play two friendly matches against them, culminating in a final test against Croatia in Podgorica. We identified some areas requiring improvement leading up to the championship. Unfortunately, we faced a setback with the injury of Elena Mitrović, for whom we had developed specific tactical plans. Nonetheless, we must adapt to these circumstances. Our preparation has been solid, and despite being hampered by injuries to Nina Ramusović, Anika Jovanović, and Ksenija Kuzman, we still possess the talent to compete. Our focus is now on helping Elena Mitrović recover and being prepared for the challenges ahead,” Marković stated.

Despite the challenges posed by the absence of key players and uncertainty over Elena Mitrović’s condition, the team remains optimistic about their opening match against Lithuania. A win would signify a crucial step towards their ultimate goal of reaching the main round.

“Lithuania employs a specific 3-2-1 zone, which we’ve observed in their previous matches. It remains to be seen if they will maintain this strategy in our opening match. We anticipate a challenging game, as it is the first and carries the usual pressure, especially on home ground. However, I believe we can demonstrate our resilience and prove our status as favorites. Denmark represents the peak of European handball, making them a formidable opponent, but we are confident that a strong defensive performance will keep us competitive. Our final group stage match against Iceland could very well determine our advancement to the main round,” concluded Marković. His roster includes 18 players: Goalkeepers Teodora Rončević, Vanja Živković, and Lucija Jovanović; wings Sanja Andrijašević, Bojana Peličić, Mia Grujić, Staša Mandić, and Ana Banović; pivots Anđela Guberinić, Ksenija Gašević, and Mina Petrović; and guards Nikolina Milojković, Maja Ceklić, Natalija Lekić, Milka Pavlović, Patricija Luković, Hanadi Delić, and Elena Mitrović.

The coaching staff, led by Marković, includes assistant coach Draško Kaluđerović, goalkeeping coach Sonja Barjaktarović, and physiotherapist Hamza Mehović.

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