A Historic Victory in Ljubljana
Slovenia captured the FIBA U20 EuroBasket championship on Friday, securing the gold medal with an 84‑65 victory over Serbia. The win marks the nation’s first title in the competition since 2003, ending a 22‑year wait that had become a point of national anticipation.
The final, played in Ljubljana, saw guard Vit Hrabar deliver a standout performance, scoring 18 points and helping to steady the Slovenian side in the second half. His contribution was complemented by the emergence of Mark Padjen, who was crowned Tournament Most Valuable Player after a series of impressive displays.
Spain completed the podium finishes with a 65‑54 triumph over France, claiming the bronze medal. The French team, despite a strong start, could not recover the deficit and settled for fourth place.
The tournament also served as a qualifier for several nations. Iceland, Ukraine and Sweden earned promotion to Division A, while Czechia, Belgium and Romania were relegated after the group stage concluded.
FIBA’s secretary general praised the competitive spirit displayed throughout the event and highlighted the growing popularity of youth basketball across Europe. The organization also noted the logistical success of hosting the finals in Ljubljana, which provided a vibrant backdrop for the championship.