Growing Up in a City of Volleyball

Rijad Begić opens the conversation byintroducing his background, emphasizing his roots in Kakanj, a city widelyrecognized for its strong volleyball tradition. Coming from a family deeplyinvolved in volleyball, Rijad explains how the sport became a natural part ofhis life from an early age. This environment shaped his discipline, work ethic,and long-term commitment to professional sport.

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Preparing for the Premier League Season

The discussion moves toward Rijad’s currentvolleyball career and upcoming challenges. He explains that preparations forthe new season include intensive conditioning training followed by friendlymatches ahead of the official start of the Premier League of Bosnia andHerzegovina. According to Rijad, the upcoming season is expected to be strongerand more competitive than previous years, as many clubs have significantlyreinforced their squads.

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Joining OK Ilidža: A New Challenge

Rijad speaks about his move to OK Ilidža, aclub newly promoted to the Premier League. Although one of the youngest playersin the team, he arrives with valuable Premier League experience. He describesIlidža as a young, ambitious team with strong support from the club management,city, and fans. The goal, he explains, is to adapt quickly, contribute on thecourt, and help the team achieve strong results, including potentialappearances in the Federation Cup or the Bosnia and Herzegovina Cup.

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Discovering Tech Volley

A significant part of the episode isdedicated to Rijad’s involvement in tech volley, an innovative sport thatcombines elements of volleyball and table tennis. He explains that tech volleyis played on a curved table using hands, with the game emphasizing techniqueand precision rather than physical attributes such as height or strength. Thismakes the sport accessible, fast-paced, and visually attractive to spectators.

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International Competition and Historic Results

Rijad shares his experience competing withthe Bosnia and Herzegovina national team at international tech volleytournaments. Together with his teammates, he achieved historic results,including a fourth-place finish at a world tournament in Hungary and a bronzemedal at a global gala event. Representing the country on such a stage, heexplains, created an unforgettable sense of pride and responsibility.

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Developing the Sport in Bosnia and Herzegovina

The conversation highlights ongoing effortsto grow tech volley locally. Rijad discusses the need for financial support,sponsors, and additional equipment to make the sport more accessible. He pointsout that tech volley and tech ball tables already exist in several sports hallsand clubs across Bosnia and Herzegovina, with plans to expand availability andattract new players.

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From First Try to Professional Career

Rijad reflects on how he discovered techvolley at the age of sixteen during a promotional event in Kakanj. Initiallyjoining out of curiosity, he quickly realized his natural talent for the sport.Encouraged by organizers and coaches, he committed to building a seriouscareer, which soon led to national and international tournaments and numerousvictories across Bosnia and Herzegovina.

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An Unforgettable Anecdote from the World Stage

For the closing of the episode, Rijadshares a humorous yet stressful anecdote from his first world gala appearance.Due to oversleeping, navigation issues, and travel stress in Budapest, he andhis teammate arrived late and without expectations. Ironically, the lack ofpressure led them to one of their most relaxed performances and ultimately to abronze medal — a moment that perfectly reflects the unpredictable nature ofsport.

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Looking Ahead

The episode concludes with Rijad expressingoptimism about both his volleyball career and the future of tech volley. Withbeach volleyball tournaments during the off-season and plans to shareinternational competition footage online, he hopes to inspire more people todiscover and engage with this emerging sport.