Luko Vezilić and Vlaho Rajčević, members of the golden Croatian U16 water polo team, visited the Municipality of Konavle chief Božo Lasić on Tuesday, who congratulated them on winning the world title.
Just two days after clinching gold at the U16 World Championship, young water polo players from Konavle, Luko Vezilić and Vlaho Rajčević, arrived for a reception with the head of the Konavle Municipality, Božo Lasić. The meeting took place on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, during which the head extended his heartfelt congratulations and words of support for their future sporting challenges.
The Croatian U16 national team, led by head coach Bruno Sabioni, claimed the world title without a single defeat. On the road to the final, they successively defeated Georgia, Malta, and Egypt, and in the semifinals, Serbia. The crowning moment of the impressive tournament came on Saturday, August 9, when the young Croats triumphed over Spain 10:7 in the grand final. It was this final clash that brought the most drama, with players from Dubrovnik's Jug playing a key role.
In the most important match of the tournament, four players from Dubrovnik's Jug stood out, including two from Konavle, Vezilić and Rajčević. Their contribution to the gold medal further solidified the reputation of southern Croatia as an inexhaustible pool of water polo talent.
Head Lasić did not hide his pride in the success of his fellow townspeople, emphasizing that their achievement proves Konavle has exceptionally talented young people ready for major sporting challenges.
"We are proud of your effort, dedication, and the outstanding result you achieved on the world's biggest stage. This is a success that inspires and shows that true champions are growing up in Konavle,"the head said during the reception.
The young national team players thanked the head for the reception and highlighted how much the support of the local community means to them. They noted that the backing from their region gives them extra wind in their sails for future sporting challenges and additional motivation to continue working hard and achieving new victories. This golden success continues the impressive run of Croatia's younger water polo categories this summer, and Konavle proudly celebrates its young world champions.
