The 37th international humanitarian basketball tournament of veterans “Old Stars Zagreb” was successfully held in Ljubuški, which again this year brought together numerous well-known basketball players, coaches and sports workers.
The tournament was held in the organization The first association of basketball veterans Old Stars Zagreb 89 and Old Stars Ljubuškiand once again the sporting and friendly spirit that this event has nurtured for decades was confirmed.
The main event of this year’s tournament was charity match of basketball starsplayed on Saturday at City sports hall in Ljubuški.
All income and support are intended for children with special needs from the association “Duga” Ljubuški.
The big names of basketball in Ljubuški
The response of the world-famous basketball players, who were divided into two teams, was commendable. Long A and Rainbow B.
For the team Long A performed: Slaven Rimac, Dževad Alihodžić, Mirza Teletović, Hrvoje Vučić, Barisa Krasic, Igor Lukacic, Andrija Ćorić, Robert Soldo, Ivica Jurkovic, Damir Vujanović, Krešo Nikić, Mate Skelin and Bright Prince.
The team was led by coaches Željko Pavlicevic and Mario Bogdanović.
For the team Long B they played: Slavko Kotnik, Port of Katura, Darko Planinic, Marinović, Bruno Shundov, Dario Livajić, Stanko Barac, Pero Dujmović, Tihomir Mustapić, Boris Barac, Mario Stojic, Rok Stipcevic and domestic players Stipe Dugandžić and David Bevanda.
The team was led by legendary coaches Josip Pino Đerđa and Pino Grdovic.
The audience enjoyed the top moves and the atmosphere
Throughout the match, the audience enjoyed top moves, a great atmosphere and meeting the big names of regional basketball.
The audience cheered the basketball players on Bojan Bogdanović, Drazen Anzulović, Ivica Obad and Dragan Nikić.
In addition to the sports part of the program, the spectators also enjoyed the rich cultural and artistic program in which they performed HKUD St. Ante Ljubuški, HKUD Brotnjo Čitluk you Ljubuške majorettes.
Farewell to Dragan Nikić and Dražen Pehar
Emotional moments marked the evening through the farewell of the famous Ljubus and Croatian basketball player Dragan Nikić from his playing career, as well as the farewell of a long-time basketball referee Dražena Cup from his judicial career.
The audience rewarded them with long-lasting applause and great respect for everything they gave to the sport.
A particularly touching moment was the gathering of children from the association “Rainbow” with former basketball stars, taking photos and talking with their sports role models, which gave this evening additional warmth and significance.
Sport as a driver of unity and humanity
The organizers of the tournament thanked all players, coaches, guests, volunteers, sponsors and the audience who came to support the humanitarian story and contributed to another successful edition of the tournament.
Special thanks are sent To the city of Ljubuškato members of the association “Rainbow”as well as to all people of good will who have shown that sport can be a powerful driver of community, humanity and friendship.
A great humanitarian basketball story in Ljubuški brought together famous sports names pic.twitter.com/zzgENa8LAb
— Jabuka.tv (@jabukatv) May 18, 2026
(www.jabuka.tv)
