Croatia’s Nenad Ilibasic, a father to four chidren and grandfather to four grandchildren, embodies the essence of commitment and boundless love for the game.
The sitting volleyball captain has shed light on the challenges and triumphs of sitting volleyball in his homeland, Croatia, a country that has a population of about four million.
“Back home in Croatia, we have a national competition, with 10 teams,” he shared. “We also have the Croatian Cup and we’re trying to create more teams to join. We are trying to encourage more people with disability to try Para sports, so this serves our national team programme.”
Despite the popularity of athletics and swimming among disabled athletes in his country, sitting volleyball strives to carve its niche, propelled by the passion of individuals like him.
“Our population is small, but we try to promote sport by getting more interested and involved,” he said.
His journey to represent Croatia on the international stage has not been without its hurdles.
“We had some challenges before coming here to China because three of our players have been sick or injured and were unable to join us. We only have nine players now,” he revealed.
“We are able to manage, and we have to continue to compete, but of course, we are missing teammates.”
Looking ahead, Ilibasic and his team have their sights set on the European Golden League in Sarajevo in May 2024. “We have hope to have the full team going there,” he expressed with optimism.
For the 55-year-old, sitting volleyball is a way of life, a passion that has spanned over two decades.
“I’ve been playing since the year 2000, so this is my 24th year in the sport,” he reflected. “It’s a long career so far.”
What keeps him going is not just the thrill of competition, but rather his pure love for the game.
“I love sitting volleyball. It’s just love. Not even work,” he emphasised.
“I go to training almost every day in my town. It’s love, and it’s more than enough to keep me going.”
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