On the margin of the great victory of the Montenegrin handball players
On Sunday evening, in "Morača" from Podgorica, Montenegrin women's handball and Montenegrin sports were celebrated. "Budućnost" beat "Larvik" from Norway with an exceptional game, with a 14-goal difference, in the first of two games, after which the better team will advance to the finals of the European club championship at the Final Four in Budapest. That goal difference almost guaranteed them the end of the competition, but sports logic dictates caution. What presupposes a unanimous assessment is that the girls from Podgorica played excellent handball both as a team and individually. A great reason for sporting joy.
Something, however, was non-standard, although not visible enough. Several foreign women from the "Budućnosti" team, although it is known that they felt at home in Montenegro, played their last game in front of the Podgorica audience. Neagu, Cvijić and Ahruk... the first two of which were not only handball stars of the "Future", but also very famous on the handball planet. Neagu is officially the best handball player in the world. And, along with them, perhaps Kaća, the trademark of "Budućnost", will be in the group of those leaving.
So, regardless of the fact that these handball players will play the second leg in Norway, and almost certainly the end of the League in Budapest, this was a begging from Podgorica. The emotionality of that act was more recognizable in their discreet statements in the period before and immediately after the match, than it was transparently manifested in the atmosphere of the match. Reports say, truthfully, that they were greeted with applause. It doesn't matter now.
They were highly respected and loved in the Club and in the sports community. Cvijić is otherwise known for her enthusiasm in the game and wholehearted support for the club jersey. It's as if she was born here three times. On Sunday, with 6 goals scored, exactly in this farewell game, she reminded of her best days with her game.
Neagu - a special story
After the "Future" and the final competition in Budapest, Kristina Neagu returns to her native Romania. (From, in a way - my own Montenegro). He will play not only for the national team, but also for his parent club "Bucharest". Nothing out of the ordinary. But, it is apt to remember the beautiful roots of the connection of the great handball player with Montenegrin sports and Montenegro. And, no matter how she played for "Budućnost" in the remaining few games, and on Sunday night she played just masterfully with 10 goals scored, Montenegrin sport and all its devotees owe thanks to this exceptional athlete and equally to the man.
Because she contributed not only to the results of the Women's Handball Club "Budućnost", but also with her flawless attitude towards the obligations of the sports player, together with several other "Budućnost" handball stars (Kac, Joko, Majda, Cvija...) she influenced the education, development and formation of new handball talents of this Club. For special respect, among other things, she entered every game, of any level and importance, as if it were a game. She fought both for the team's result and for the obligation to the acquired reputation, her own and the Club's reputation.
Neagu came to ŽRK "Budućnost" four years ago after two years of troubles with injuries and recovery with an uncertain outcome at the time. And later, whenever she extended her contract with the Montenegrin club, she emphasized the Club's risk in that decision, as well as the understanding and patience to wait for her gradual return to the field and entering the competitive rhythm with full capacity. He points out that it is about the friendliness of the environment. (No self-praise - one of the rare elements from the story of Montenegrin tradition, the factor of Montenegrin hospitality towards foreigners seems to be still smoldering).
Everything was recognized by the Romanian (and our) Neagu. Good was exchanged for good.
Finally, thank you. And good luck, Kristina.
Pero Radović, TV author
PS The story that our handball ladies once demonstrated to us is healing precisely in the variety of different tones that accompany the Montenegrin handball organization in this period.
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