Deputy Prime Minister Bečić and the CEV leadership jointly congratulated the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro, led by President Kažić, on the successful organisation of the Montenegrin Cup finals contested on March 30 in Budva. The quality and importance of this event was cemented by the presence of the highest representatives of European Volleyball, confirming the growing reputation of Montenegrin Volleyball and their rising status on the international stage. Bečić emphasised that sport is one of the most important bridges for cooperation and friendship in the Balkans. He particularly highlighted, offering his congratulations on their recent election, the significance of the fact that the European Volleyball Confederation is currently placed under the leadership of representatives from the region – President Sikirić from Croatia and First Vice President Knežević from Serbia – who, through their joint work and dedication, confirm that unity and cooperation are the paths to success and a bright future.

The meeting focussed on Montenegro’s potential bid to co-host CEV EuroVolley 2028 Men together with the neighbouring countries

“It is beautiful to see how the National Federations of our countries cooperate and complement each other with such sincerity, friendship, and team spirit. Therefore, I strongly support the idea that Montenegro, Serbia, and Croatia submit a joint bid to host the CEV EuroVolley 2028, which will, I am sure, receive unequivocal support from the Government of Montenegro. This would be a historic moment and the culmination of this wonderful regional Volleyball cooperation we are witnessing, but also a guide for other sectors of our countries showing the paths we should take. We will continue to support the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro as a Government because the strategic approach, dedication, and enthusiasm they demonstrate in the development of Volleyball and its further popularisation among the youngest generations are deserving of great respect and support,” said Bečić.

CEV President Roko Sikirić praised Montenegro’s progress in the development of Volleyball, highlighting that despite being one of the youngest members of the CEV, Montenegro’s commitment to the sport has brought notable results, both in promoting Volleyball and improving sports infrastructure. “Support from the government leadership is crucial for the development of sports. Your five-hour presence on Sunday evening at the final matches in both categories is proof of this dedication, for which the European Volleyball Confederation expresses its deep gratitude. Be proud of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro, which has a clear vision for the development of Volleyball in your country, and on that journey, you can count on our full support,” Sikirić concluded.

OK BUDVA were crowned winners of the men’s national cup of Montenegro to cement their domestic supremacy

In the packed hall at the Mediterranean Sports Centre in Budva, the President of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro, Nikola Kažić, presented a special thank-you note to the CEV President.

More high-profile guests from across the Volleyball family attended the event in Budva as well – namely CEV First Vice President Ivan Knežević, the legendary former Volleyball player, FIVB Vice-President and President of the Serbian Volleyball Federation Đula Mešter, Volleyball legend and First Vice-President of the Serbian Volleyball Federation Jelena Nikolić, President of the Croatian Volleyball Federation Frane Žanić, President of the Balkan Volleyball Association Milutin Popović, Secretary General of the Volleyball Federation of North Macedonia Filip Despotovski, member of the Board of Administration of the Volleyball Federation of North Macedonia Zoran Karanović, and many other Volleyball officials from across the region.

The matches were also followed by Deputy Prime Minister Aleksa Bečić, Minister of Sports Dragoslav Šćekić, President of the Municipality of Budva Nikola Jovanović, and President of the Municipal Assembly of Budva Petar Odžić, while the event was further honoured by the presence of Serbian Minister of Sports and celebrated Volleyball coach Zoran Gajić.

OSCG President Nikola Kažić shared a thank-you token of appreciation with the CEV President

The 2025 Montenegrin Cup trophy in the men’s competition was awarded to the OK BUDVA team by CEV President Roko Sikirić. The trophy for the best team in the women’s competition, OK HERCEG NOVI, was presented by the President of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro, Nikola Kažić.

Medals for the women’s Cup winners were awarded by Ivan Knežević, CEV First Vice President, and Frane Žanić, President of the Croatian Volleyball Federation. The medals for the men’s Cup winners from OK BUDVA and their coaching staff were presented by Nikola Jovanović, President of the Municipality of Budva, and Petar Odžić, President of the Municipal Assembly of Budva.

The Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the women’s final was Anamarija Galić from OK HERCEG NOVI, who received her award from Ksenija Božović, a member of the Board of Administration of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro. The MVP of the men’s final was the receiver of OK BUDVA, Vasilije Milenković, with the award presented by Đula Mešter, FIVB Vice-President and President of the Serbian Volleyball Federation.

The CEV President and his counterpart from the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro presented the trophies to the captains of the winning teams

Silver medals for the Cup finalists, the players and coaching staff of Luka BAR, were presented by Jelena Nikolić, a European champion and First Vice-President of the Serbian Volleyball Federation, and Ivan Bošković, Secretary General of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro (OSCG). The silver medals for the players and coaching staff of Budućnost were presented by Radule Raonić and Petar Vukčević, members of the Board of Administration of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro.

The plaque for the captain of Luka BAR, Dušanka Petrović, was presented by Milan Franović, President of the Assembly of the Volleyball Federation of Montenegro. The plaque for the captain of Budućnost, Nikola Radović, was awarded by Milutin Popović, President of the Balkan Volleyball Association.

OK HERCEG NOVI claimed the women’s title for the third year in a row

The director of competition Nikola Pješčić, as well as the referees of the Montenegrin Cup finals, Sonja Simonovska, Dragana Vučinić, Slobodan Kovačević, and Jelena Mitrović, as well as the supervisor of both matches, Anka Ivanović, received their acknowledgments from Nevena Terzić, a member of the OSCG Board of Administration.