Serbia’s Major Sports Achievements in 2024: A Year of Triumphs

2024 has been a landmark year for Serbia, as the country’s athletes, teams, and organizations have achieved outstanding successes on the global stage. From team sports to individual brilliance, Serbian sports showcased resilience, passion, and excellence. Here is a comprehensive look at the most important scores and triumphs Serbia recorded this year.

Basketball: Continuing the Legacy

Serbia’s men’s basketball team solidified its reputation as a global powerhouse by clinching a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Despite a challenging tournament, they triumphed in the bronze medal match with a decisive win over France, securing their place on the podium.

On the women’s side, Serbia’s national team also performed admirably, reaching the semi-finals at the Olympics and ultimately securing a bronze medal by defeating Spain 78-73. Their success underscored Serbia’s depth in basketball talent and coaching.

Tennis: Djokovic’s Unstoppable Year

Novak Djokovic continued to dominate the tennis world, adding two more Grand Slam titles to his record in 2024. He triumphed at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, extending his Grand Slam tally to an unprecedented 26 titles. Djokovic’s performance at Wimbledon was particularly memorable, as he defeated rising star Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set thriller.

In addition, Serbia’s national team reached the finals of the Davis Cup, with Djokovic leading the charge alongside Miomir Kecmanović and Laslo Djere. Although they narrowly lost to Spain in the finals, their journey was a testament to Serbia’s strength in tennis.

Volleyball: Dominating the Courts

The Serbian men’s volleyball team captured the gold medal at the European Championship, defeating Italy 3-1 in a hard-fought final. Their teamwork, tactical brilliance, and sheer determination were on full display throughout the tournament.

Meanwhile, the women’s volleyball team added another feather to their cap by winning the FIVB Nations League. Their victory against Brazil in the final, with a score of 3-2, was a nail-biter that highlighted their resilience and skill.

Football: A Rising Force

Serbia’s national football team achieved historic success by qualifying for the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-finals, their best performance in decades. Star players like Dušan Vlahović and Sergej Milinković-Savić were instrumental in victories over top-tier teams, including a dramatic 2-1 win against Portugal in the group stage.

Red Star Belgrade (Crvena Zvezda) also shone on the European stage, reaching the UEFA Europa League semi-finals. Their journey included memorable victories against clubs like Liverpool and Villarreal, showcasing the talent and determination of Serbian club football.

Athletics: Sprinting to Glory

Serbian athletes made their mark at the European Athletics Championships, with Ivana Vuleta (formerly Ivana Španović) claiming gold in the long jump. Vuleta’s leap of 7.12 meters set a new national record and secured her position as one of Europe’s finest athletes.

In addition, hurdler Emir Bekrić staged a remarkable comeback, winning silver in the 400m hurdles, a testament to his hard work and perseverance.

Water Polo: A Golden Tradition

The Serbian men’s water polo team reclaimed their dominance by winning gold at the European Championship. They defeated Croatia in the final with a score of 12-10, demonstrating their tactical expertise and physical prowess. The women’s water polo team also had a strong year, reaching the semi-finals and earning a respectable fourth-place finish.

Other Notable Achievements

Taekwondo: Tijana Bogdanović won gold at the World Taekwondo Championships, solidifying her place as one of Serbia’s top martial artists.
Rowing: Serbia’s men’s quadruple sculls team secured silver at the World Rowing Championships, narrowly missing out on gold in a photo-finish.
Judo: Milica Nikolić claimed bronze in the under-48kg category at the World Judo Championships, adding to her growing list of accolades.

Conclusion

The year 2024 has been a remarkable chapter in Serbia’s sports history, filled with groundbreaking achievements and unforgettable moments. From the basketball courts to the tennis courts, and from the football pitches to the Olympic arenas, Serbian athletes have once again proven their mettle on the international stage.

With a bright future ahead, the nation’s sports enthusiasts have every reason to celebrate and look forward to even greater successes.