The 37th European Men’s Water Polo Championship opened tonight in the popular “Ložionica”, the first center of creative industries and innovations in the region. With the Serbian anthem, a parade of flags of the participating countries, and the presentation of medals and cups, the opening ceremony was held in the presence of numerous guests from the world of sports and public life.
In addition to representatives of Serbian water polo, the leaders of the European and World Aquatics Organizations, Antonio Silva and Hussein Al Musallam, high-ranking officials of the two organizations, including Vanja Udovicic, Darko Udovicic, then the great Igor Milanovic, the president of the Serbian Water Polo Federation Dejan Tomašević and many others, were present.
The gathering was addressed by the Minister of Sports Zoran Gajić, the President of the Water Polo Federation of Serbia Viktor Jelenić, then Antonio Silva, Hussein Al Musala, as well as the celebrated Serbian water polo players Igor Milanović and Milan Aleksić.
“On behalf of the VSS, I would like to greet you. It is a great honor that Serbia has the opportunity to host the event for the third time. With this competition, we are maintaining the tradition. We will do our best to be good hosts. During the 15 days, Belgrade will send a message of sportsmanship. This is a great competition and the motivation of all participants is great. I wish all competitors good luck and courage,” said Jelenić.
European Swimming Federation representative Antonio Silva thanked the great passion in organizing the competition.
“It’s always special to return to a city with a water polo tradition, Belgrade is the perfect city for it, that’s why we’re here for the third time. The competition will be held in the perfect Arena, we expect great matches and fights, noisy fans and a good atmosphere. This European Championship will also be an opportunity for young players to take their positions and show themselves in the best light. Let’s enjoy it,” said Silva, who presented the EA plaque to Hussein Al Musallam.
The president of the world organization then emphasized:
“I am happy to be here and thank the Government of Serbia and the water polo organization for everything they have done. In recent years, we have been working hard in numerous segments and I am satisfied with how everything is working. In the coming days, we will enjoy water polo, and working together will present our sport in the most beautiful light.”
Minister of Sports Zoran Gajić welcomed everyone to the city and land of sports and water polo.
“Water polo is a symbol of perseverance and systematic work, and these Olympic gold medals are just the tip of the iceberg. That’s why this event is special for us. For the next 10 days, Serbia will be the center of world water polo, but also of friendship and hospitality. May the best win,” said Gajić .
Celebrated water polo player Igor Milanović presented the official ball, which will be used for matches at the Arena, and which is designed in the colors of the Serbian flag. He expressed his satisfaction at having the opportunity to meet old friends from this sport and told the Serbian players to give their best.
Medals with five ornaments, from five parts of our country, were also presented, and a message of fair play on behalf of the World Aquatics Organization commission was sent by former trophy-winning national team player Milan Aleksić.
A special moment of the evening was the appearance of Spanish national team player Alvaro Granados, who presented the attendees with the trophy intended for the European champion, as the water polo player who brought gold to his national team at the previous European Championship in 2024 with a goal in the last second of the final against Croatia.
He also received the European Swimming Federation’s award for the best player in Europe for 2025, for which our Dušan Mandić was nominated, followed by Hungarian Kristian Mangerc, Spaniard Sanauža and Greek Argyropoulos. Granados was presented with the award by Josip Varvodić, First Vice President of EA.
