Preparations for this year’s U20 Women’s Balkan Volleyball Championship are in full swing in Mostar, where the Bosnia and Herzegovina’s national team continues to train ahead of the tournament, which will be held from August 19 to 23. The team trains twice a day, while excellent team spirit, unity and motivation continue to define the preparation period for one of the Balkan region’s most important youth events.
The players and coaching staff received a visit by Anita Glibić, President of the Volleyball Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who emphasised that hosting the championship is one of the Federation’s most significant projects for the development of Volleyball in the country.
Mostar at the heart of European Volleyball
“Welcoming eight national teams to Mostar and Bosnia and Herzegovina is a major promotion of both our country and our sport. I am especially pleased that Mostar is hosting this event because I believe it will bring new energy, strengthen confidence in Volleyball and mark the beginning of a new chapter for our sport,” said Glibić.
She stressed that organising a championship of this level requires meeting high European standards and expressed confidence that Bosnia and Herzegovina will once again demonstrate its ability to successfully host major international sporting events. “We want to present Mostar as a city of sport, culture and tourism while showcasing the beauty of our country to all visitors. I am confident that we will prove ourselves to be outstanding hosts,” she added.
Preparations in full swing
National coach Ilijana Dugandžić expressed satisfaction with the team’s commitment and the progress achieved so far. “Twenty-seven players are currently taking part in the training camp, showing great dedication and professionalism. In the coming days we will enter the final phase of our preparations. This project is extremely important for Mostar, Herzegovina and Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole. Our goal is not only to achieve a good result but also to inspire more young girls to take up Volleyball and help restore the sport to the position it deserves,” said Dugandžić.
Coach Saša Slijepčević highlighted that, for the first time, the national team has sufficient time to prepare properly for an international competition. “We are following a clearly defined training programme with two practice sessions each day. Having more than three weeks of preparation is a major advantage compared to previous years. The players have adapted exceptionally well, and I believe we will be fully prepared when the championship begins,” he said.
The U20 Balkan Volleyball Championship will bring together the national teams of Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Türkiye. The tournament will also serve as the first qualification round for the 2027 European Championship in this age category, while the organisers believe it will further confirm Mostar’s and Bosnia and Herzegovina’s ability to host major international Volleyball events.
This sporting event carries special significance, as Mostar will host an international volleyball tournament of this level for the very first time, making it the first competition of its kind ever staged in the southern part of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Hosting the championship marks an important step forward in the development of volleyball and further confirms that Bosnia and Herzegovina has the capacity to successfully organize major international sporting events.
Türkiye demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, producing commanding performances to remain undefeated and deservedly lift the Balkan trophy. Montenegro enjoyed a memorable campaign, earning the silver medal after a series of impressive victories, while Bulgaria finished in third place to take home the bronze medal.
Following the conclusion of the championship, the best individual performers of the tournament were honoured during the closing ceremony:
🏅Best Libero – Magdalena Bogdanova (Bulgaria)
🏅Best Middle Blocker – Nejla Guzonjic (Türkiye)
🏅Best Outside Spiker – Elena Jovanovic (Montenegro)
🏅Best Opposite – Cagla Caglayandere (Türkiye)
🏅Best Setter – Nadja Pekovic (Montenegro)
🌟Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Selis Ecrin Turkyasar (Türkiye)
The individual awards reflected the high level of competition throughout the championship, with Türkiye, Montenegro and Bulgaria all represented among the tournament’s standout performers.
Zeynep Berksun added another 15 points for Türkiye and Beren Eralp registered five blocks.
Bulgaria were led by Aleksandra Zanova who scored 16 points, including 6 blocks, but the match high came from Montenegro’s Kaja Miric with 20 points.
