The Serbian women’s volleyball team launched their World Championship campaign with a decisive 3-0 (25-17, 25-19, 25-21) victory over Ukraine on Saturday. This strong start highlighted not only the seasoned leadership of captain Tijana Boskovic but also the vibrant, fresh energy that middle blocker Maja Aleksic noted the squad brings to the tournament.
Boskovic, who led the team with an impressive 19 points, reflected on her extensive experience, using it to guide a roster featuring many new faces. “Yes, there are some players who are playing their first World Championship. We are a younger team compared with last year, so it means we have a little less experience. But what makes me happy is the way we practise and prepare for this World Championship. I think we came here ready,” she stated. Now participating in her fourth edition of the event, the 28-year-old opposite hitter acknowledged the significant honor and responsibility of being captain. “It is definitely an honor to be captain of Team Serbia and to wear this jersey. It is one responsibility more, but I just have to do as I did until now to help my team. I have more experience, and I know what kind of pressure this competition gives. I am just trying to help my team,” Boskovic explained.
Serbia aims to build on its formidable legacy, having secured back-to-back World Championship titles in 2018 and 2022. With Boskovic a pivotal figure in both triumphs, the team enters this year’s tournament as a highly respected force in international volleyball. She also extended her gratitude to the host nation: “I would like to thank all the fans for the amazing support, especially the fans from Thailand, for making our stay here so special and creating a great atmosphere during the games. We really enjoy playing here,” she added.
Aleksic, whose consistent performance at the net significantly contributed to the win, expressed her delight at returning to the World Championship stage. “I am so excited. This is my second time visiting Thailand. I already played a World Championship here when I was younger and it is so nice to come back and play again. When we came into the sports hall, the fans were really screaming our names. They are excited because we are here and because we are playing in their country,” Aleksic shared. The middle blocker emphasized the sense of responsibility Serbia feels in major tournaments, viewing it as a powerful, positive force. “I think there is no space for pressure because we always come into every championship with responsibility. For the past ten years we have had medals from every championship. I think it is good that we carry this responsibility, because it means we must show how we play and what we can give to the world,” she affirmed.
With several younger players joining the squad, Aleksic noted a palpable change in the team`s atmosphere. “It is a completely new team with many young players. We have maybe five or six older players, but it is nice because this energy is some new young energy, and I like that. It is really nice to be around these girls. For all of us, we will show everything we can at this championship,” she concluded.
Serbia will continue their Pool H campaign with growing momentum, set to face Cameroon on Monday before a challenging match against Japan on Wednesday. Both encounters are expected to thoroughly test the squad’s balance of veteran experience and emerging talent.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood