From 28 to 31 July, Ljubljana will host a volleyball spectacle, a tournament of the renewed Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Futures series, which brings together beach volleyball players from all continents. A record number of entries, 160 doubles from 38 countries, delighted the organisers, who received further confirmation that Slovenia has finally put itself on the world map of beach volleyball. Not only because of the iconic venue in the city centre and the top-class organisation, but also because of the players' desire to return again and again to this green and boutique destination, which offers a range of activities and experiences alongside the competition itself.
According to the rules of the International Volleyball Federation, only the 32 highest-ranked doubles teams in the men's and women's world rankings will be able to compete in the prestigious victory on the Ljubljana beach. Slovenian fans will also be able to cheer on seven Slovenian pairs who have already won a number of awards on home soil.
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Tajda Lovšin (with the ball) and Tjaša Kotnik in the women's doubles beach volleyball match. Photo: FIVB
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Jan Pokeršnik, member of the best Slovenian men's beach volleyball team in recent years. Photo: UKOM
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Tajda Lovšin and Tjaša Kotnik with the silver medal at the Beach Pro Tour World Series match on the Greek island of Ios. Photo: FIVB
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Nejc Zemljak (in the photo) and Klemen Šen became national champions in beach volleyball for 2022. Photo: UKOM.
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Training of Slovenian doubles members on the beach. Photo: UKOM
The competition will start with Thursday's qualifiers at Ludus in Črnuče, with the finals on Saturday and Sunday at Kongresni trg. The World Series tournament will traditionally include the finals of the National Junior Championships, where Slovenian volleyball hopefuls will compete for the titles of national champions and champions in three age categories. The grand final of the Open Beach Volleyball Sitting and Standing Championships will take place in the centre of Ljubljana on 1 August. After a successful European premiere last year, the Open Beach Volleyball Sitting and Standing Championships are returning to Ljubljana. The event will feature 70 para-volleyball players from 12 countries.
Beach volleyball, which is mostly played on beaches and other natural sandy venues, is in itself one of the most sustainable sports. This year, the organisers have added a free shuttle service for all participants.
More information about the event is available on the website www.beachvolleyljubljana.com
The Slovenian Tourist Board (STO) recognises the importance of such events, which enhance Slovenia's image as a great destination for active holidays and athletes' training, and reinforces the value of the I feel Slovenia brand.
Date: 28. July 2022
Time to read: 2 min
