Croatia becomes most successful boules nation in the world

(Photo: Hrvatski Boćarski Savez)

Croatia has emerged as the most successful nation for the first time in a major competition at the World Championship for female and mixed boules, which was held from November 8 to 11, 2023, in Rumilly, France. 

The team, led by director Vjekoslav Matetić and coach Čedom Vukelić, included Carrolina Bajrić, Ria Vojković, Nikol Belasić, Nives Jelovica, Ema Maršanić, Marino Milićević, and Marin Ćubela. 

Croatia clinched a remarkable total of 5 medals, securing Croatia’s top position in both the medal count and overall points across all disciplines, the Hrvatski Boćarski Savez said.

Boules refers to a variety of games akin to bowls and bocce.

Carrolina Bajrić and Ria Vojković claimed gold medals in the rapid relay shooting event, while Nikol Belasić and Carrolina Bajrić triumphed in the classic pairs competition. 

Ria Vojković and Carrolina Bajrić (Photo: Hrvatski Boćarski Savez)

Ria Vojković earned a silver medal in the individual classic event. Nives Jelovica secured a bronze medal in precision shooting, and the mixed rapid relay team of Ria Vojković and Marino Milićević also clinched bronze. In the remaining two disciplines, Nives Jelovica and Marin Ćubela reached the quarterfinals in the mixed circle, and Ema Maršanić advanced in the rapid shooting category.

The Croatian delegation, including vice president Igor Banovac, international technical delegate Boris Nadenić, and international judge Oliver Nadenić, arrived back at Zagreb airport on Sunday. 

At Zagreb Airport yesterday (Photo: Hrvatski Boćarski Savez)

“This outstanding achievement by the Croatian team not only marks a historic moment for the nation but also reflects the dedication and skill of its talented athletes in the world of boules,” the Hrvatski Boćarski Savez said.