Karate Club Vrbas made a major breakthrough at the Republika Srpska Championship. The Banja Luka club finished third overall, while claiming first place in the team competition and dethroning Sindjelić, which had held the title for more than 20 years.
Coach Boris Jeličić said he was extremely satisfied with the results achieved at the competition. In addition to team gold in the men’s division, Vrbas athletes won individual titles as well: Mihajlo Zrnić (kumite −67 kg) and Luka Pejić (kumite −75 kg). Silver medals were taken by Nemanja Čubrilo (−60 kg) and Nemanja Jeličić (−84 kg), while Miloš Dejanović (−84 kg) won bronze.
“These athletes showed their quality, but beyond the medals we are very pleased with their current form and overall progress, especially with two very important competitions coming up,” Jeličić emphasized.
He added:
“We are extremely satisfied with both the results and the form of our competitors at this moment. We finished third overall, which is our best result so far, and first as a team. We reached four additional finals and ended up with six medals — three gold, two silver and one bronze. That is an excellent outcome.”
The team is now preparing for upcoming challenges, with the main goal being the Balkan Championship, scheduled for late February in Banja Luka. The next major event is the Bosnia and Herzegovina Championship on February 15, which will also serve as a qualifying tournament for both the Balkaniada and the European Championship.
“Our aim was to peak in form for the Balkan Championship. We want as many competitors as possible, especially since we’ll be competing at home, which is an extra motivation,” said Jeličić.
“The BiH Championship is very important because medalists will earn national team spots. We are happy with our athletes’ condition and hope for the best — their progress is clearly visible, and we expect them to be at their best exactly when it matters most.”
Vrbas entered the new year significantly strengthened, with three high-quality competitors joining the club: Luka Pejić, Mihajlo Zrnić and Nemanja Čubrilo.
“We have gained truly strong athletes who work very well, and we are glad they are with us. They have already shown their potential, and we will continue with quality training to achieve even better results,” Jeličić concluded.
Source: Glas Srpske
