The Mayor of Dubrovnik sent congratulations to four Jug players who won the world championship title with the Croatian U16 national team, and Dubrovnik is preparing a ceremonial welcome for them this evening.
Dubrovnik is celebrating new world champions. The Croatian U16 water polo team won the World Championship, and among the golden boys were four players from Dubrovnik's Jug. On this occasion, Mayor Mato Franković sent an official congratulation to the club and the players.
"Dear players, esteemed coach and professional staff, a month ago we celebrated and rejoiced in the great success of our Jug players who won the World Championship with the Croatian national team in the U18 category, and now the U16 generation has achieved the same success," Franković's congratulation reads, published on Monday, August 10, 2026.
The Mayor particularly highlighted the contribution of each of the four young national team players. "I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Roko Koncul, Petar Lončarić, and Vlaho Rajčević, who with their performances made a significant contribution to this success of Croatian water polo, and especially to captain Luka Vezilić for his outstanding goalkeeping display and the saves that stopped the Spanish attacks at crucial moments," Franković wrote.
The national team captain and goalkeeper Luko Vezilić also received a personal message. "Dear Luka, I believe you will remember this victory forever; you truly celebrated your 16th birthday in a special way," the Mayor said, alluding to the fact that the young goalkeeper turned 16 during the tournament.
Croatia defeated Spain 10:7 in the final, with Vezilić stopping the opponents' attacks at key moments. Alongside him, Koncul, Lončarić, and Rajčević made significant contributions to winning the gold medal.
Franković emphasized that he is particularly pleased with the continuity of success among young generations. "I am especially delighted when our young Jug players achieve such impressive results because we repeatedly confirm that the future of Dubrovnik water polo is indeed bright," he noted. He also reminded of the recent triumph of the U18 generation, which also won the World Championship a month ago.
He concluded his congratulation with the words: "I wish you many more victories and trophies in Jug and Croatian national team caps!"
The young national team players are expected to return to Dubrovnik this evening. The plane from Zagreb lands at Dubrovnik Airport at 8:55 PM, and the ceremonial welcome begins at 9:00 PM. VK Jug Adriatic has invited all fans, friends, and family to come and greet the world champions.
"Come and greet our world champions!" the club proudly announced.
