Volleyball News All Things Volleyball
Related Articles
Igor Kolaković has announced the following players to be part of the extended Serbia team that will participate in the VNL 2023 and the following Olympic qualifications.
Setters: Alexa Batak, Andrej Polomac, Andrija Vulikić, Vuk Todorović
Opposites: Aleksandar Atanasijević, Božidar Vucicević, Dražen Luburic, Dušan Nikolic, Nikola Meljanac
Outside Hitters: David Mehić, Marko Ivović, Lazar Bajandić, Luka Tadić, Miran Kujundžić, Milan Katić, Pavle Perić, Uroš Kovačević, Veljko Mašulović, Vuk Ivanović
Middle blockers: Aleksandar Nedeljković, Andrej Rudić, Dušan Petrović, Marko Podraščanin, Nemanja Mašulović, Petar Krsmanović, Srećko Lisinac, Vladimir Gajović
Liberos: Milorad Kapur, Milos Krsteski, Uroš Mišković
A look back on the past:
A force to be reckoned with in the world of international volleyball over the last 30 years*. Known for their power, agility, and tactical brilliance, this team has left a firm imprint on the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), World Championships, and Olympic Games.
Let’s take a quick time machine ride back to Sydney, 2000. Remember when Serbia clinched the gold at the Summer Olympics? A moment that still shines brightly in the annals of volleyball history. Not to forget the bronze they secured at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
Fast forward to the 21st century, the team has continued to maintain its vitality and competitiveness. In the Volleyball Nations League (VNL), for instance, Serbia has had some gripping performances. Remember that epic comeback against Iran in the 2021 men’s VNL? They twice came from a set down to snatch victory. Talk about resilience!
Being one of the most successful teams in the European Championships and the World League (predecessor of VNL), all eyes are now focused on the performance of the team during this year’s Olympic qualifications.
Players to look out for:
Nikola Meljanac, the dynamic opposite from Serbia, born on January 15, 1999, has carved a significant reputation in the volleyball world over the past three years. Meljanac’s talent has shone brightly across various clubs, his power and precision leaving audiences and opponents alike in awe. A solid performer, he has cemented his place as a key player in the sport. His strength? Unyielding dedication and an unmatchable passion for volleyball. As we step into 2023, fans worldwide eagerly anticipate his next powerful spike. Watch out, volleyball world, Meljanac is here to stay!
Marko Podraščanin, a Serbian volleyball titan, has been a force to reckon with over the last 15 years. Playing for the top Italian teams (Itas Trentino, Cucine Lube Civitanova and Perugia) and the Serbian national team, Podraščanin’s career is studded with impressive accolades. An Olympic participant in 2008 and 2012, he won the bronze medal at the 2010 World Championship, and clinched the 2011 European Championship. With over 100 matches in the World League, Podraščanin’s timely blocks and attacking strength have made him a standout middle blocker!
Uroš Kovačević, the Serbian volleyball sensation, has made significant strides in the sport over the past 12 years. Emerging as a promising player at just 18, he was pivotal in securing European and world titles for Serbia’s youth team. Since then, he’s accrued an impressive array of accolades, including two European Championships in 2011 and 2019, and the 2016 World League title. In 2019, he was named MVP of the European Championship and Europe’s best volleyball player. Known for his smart plays and expressions of his emotions, Uros is definitely a player to look out for.
