FROM A HANDBALL STAR TO AN ACCOMPLISHED COACH

Veselin Vujovic is an elite athlete whose journey didn’t end at the peak of his athletic career but evolved into a powerful second chapter. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best handball players of his generation, Vujovic found new purpose in Qatar, where he has continued to make a profound impact well beyond his playing days. In this secure and nurturing environment, Vujovic joined many other top athletes who have transitioned into mentorship and leadership roles, empowering the next generation of players after his exceptional international coaching experience. His story stands as a testament to how Qatar embraces former champions and offers them opportunities to share their journeys with young, rising talent. Through its visionary approach to sports development, Qatar has become a beacon for former athletes, offering them a unique platform to extend their careers. In 2009, Vujovic became the head coach of Al Sadd’s Handball Team, marking the beginning of a long-standing relationship with Qatari handball. His influence grew over the years, and recently, he served as the head coach of the Qatari national handball team. He knows for certain that Qatar and its people will always hold a special place in his heart.

How did you first get involved in sports?

I come from a low-income household in Montenegro when it was a part of the former Yugoslavia. My father was a truck driver, and my mother was a teacher, so they didn't have much time to support me personally or understand my interests. From a very young age, I developed a strong winning mentality. I felt the need to succeed at everything and to fight for what I wanted, whether it was in school or in life.

One vivid memory stands out that shaped this mentality early on. Our mother bought us our first digital watch. My brother and I would race on the mountain near our home to see how many times we could climb up and run back down quickly, while carefully navigating the hiking trail. I remember my brother calling out my time at the top. He would shout, “37 seconds,” but I always suspected he gave me a little extra time to keep me motivated, so that I would do it all again. We ran this race five or six times a day. So ever since my childhood, it wasn’t just about playing, it was about pushing myself beyond my limits, competing against others, but also against myself.

At what point did basketball become part of your athletic journey?

My brother played basketball at school, and sometimes I would join him at practice. The coaches once told me I wasn’t fit for basketball, which was disappointing, but it didn’t stop me. One day, they were short of a player and asked me to fill in. I was just in jeans and a t-shirt, not even dressed for sports. After playing, we won the game. That caught the attention of the handball coach. He told me, “You must be at handball training on Monday at six o’clock.” From that moment, everything changed. Within three months, even the basketball coaches started noticing me again, impressed by my height and throwing skills. For a year, I played handball in the morning and basketball in the afternoon, often alongside my brother. However, handball quickly became my path.

When did you play for the first division in handball? How old were you when you made the transfer?

When I was about sixteen years old, RK Metaloplastika, one of the top clubs of my era, came all the way to my hometown, Cetinje, to sign me. My father was surprised that they had traveled 700 kilometers just for me. When he asked if I was really good, they said, “He’s the best.” Hearing that from professionals was astonishing to him, and to me. That moment confirmed that all my daily battles, all the competitions with my brother, and my relentless drive were paying off. Despite my talent, we had serious financial struggles. My sports shoes were so old that I had to stuff the insides with cardboard and paper just to support the soles. We didn’t have money for proper gear, but that never stopped me from competing or pushing myself harder. My hunger to win was bigger than any obstacle I had faced.

What key traits or mindset shifts do you believe are present among mentally resilient athletes?

A winning mentality is something you can’t fully explain. It’s a feeling that lives inside you. For me, it has always meant everything. Even as a kid, my dreams were filled with moments of victory. I would imagine myself at the Olympic finals, with just five seconds left and a seven-meter throw to win the game. I saw myself playing basketball at the World Championships, taking the last shot, and in every dream, I always scored. That mindset didn’t fade over time. Years later, when I faced those exact moments in real life, I performed just as I had once imagined. Even during school games, scoring felt just as important as it did in official matches. If I missed an opportunity, I would get frustrated with myself, sometimes even arguing with those around me or throwing a fit. People would ask me why I was so nervous, or why I cared so much, telling me I could always practice more. But for me, the competition never stops. There's a fire in me that never fades.

How has your winning mentality influenced your life off the court? What repercussions, if any, has it had on your relationships?

This mentality follows me even with my own kids. I never let them win easily, whether it’s a game of cards or basketball. Once, my son challenged me, he said, “If I beat you by 21 points in basketball, you have to buy me a motorbike.” It was a regular game, and he added that he had been practicing hard, so we played it seriously. I told him, “Just score four points, and I’ll buy you the motorbike.” It came down to the last point. My daughter even had to step in, pleading for me to be fair. But I pushed her aside and scored. Everyone told me I was crazy, and that he was my own son! But that’s who I am, and perhaps my son would do the same with his son one day.

In your experience as a former handball player and now as a coach, how would you best define the winning mentality in athletes?

I believe some people are born just to participate, while others are born to win. The key for athletes is to unlock that winning mentality when it matters most, on the court and in moments of high pressure. That’s when true stars appear. Arguably so, to possess that winning mentality means that you are constantly proving yourself over and over again, pushing through every challenge, and never settling for less. That is how I would define the winning mentality amongst athletes.

What do you look for in a player? What key qualities make up the ideal player profile?

When I think about the ideal player, I don’t focus primarily on physical appearance or build. Yes, having physical quality is important, but what truly matters is the mind. Sports intelligence and the ability to be a true team player are fundamental. My philosophy is simple: when you score a goal, only one person is happy, the scorer. But when you assist a teammate and set them up to score, two people share that happiness. That’s the difference. I always tell players not to be obsessed with the ball, or with being the celebrity or star of the team. Those things don’t make the best player. After years of experience, I can usually tell within five to ten minutes of watching a young player whether they have the mindset and potential to succeed. So, the ideal player is someone who brings not only skill but also intelligence and selflessness to the game. That is, someone who understands the power of teamwork and competition.

In high-pressure moments, great athletes push beyond their limits. How can athletes give more than what they possess, both physically and mentally?

Before important games, especially the big ones, I tend to always take about 30 minutes alone. During that time, I sit with myself and mentally project what is about to happen. I prepare for every difficult situation before it even arises, so when others might hesitate, I am ready to take initiative. As the team leader, I have to push beyond my limits, not just for myself, but because the team believes in me. I cannot disappoint them. Whether it’s assisting a teammate, catching a crucial ball, or defending in a critical moment, I have to be fully present. When I am focused, my teammates feel it and follow my lead. People often need a leader, especially in tough moments. That leader has to step forward when others hold back, to provide courage and direction when it matters most.

Can you share a moment when you had to step up as a team leader, and what that experience taught you?

Back in the former Yugoslavia, we underwent sports psychology tests. One memorable question was about the last minute of the game. People were asked, “If you had the ball, which player would you pass it to? Who would you trust most to score?” Ninety percent said, “I’d pass the ball to Vujovic.” That meant a lot to me.

Another instance took place at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. The legendary Serbian coach Branislav Pokrajac told me, “You will be the leader.” I was shocked and said, “No, that’s impossible. I’m just here to help.” At the time, I was the youngest on the team. He arranged tests to prove my leadership ability. One was during lunchtime. He told me to arrive second but sit separately from the first player. I did, and although I was alone at first, soon others joined me around my table. The coach then said, “Did you see?”. He repeated a similar test about curfew, telling me to go to bed early. When the others followed, he said, “This is your moment to step up, not just on the court but off it too, because people trust you.” That was a turning point. I understood my role was bigger than just being a player. I had to lead, inspire, and push beyond what I thought possible.

How has your life experience shaped your competitive mindset, instilling a drive for constant victory? Could you speak more about your life philosophy and how it developed from an early age?

I consider myself fortunate to have a natural inclination toward a winning mentality rather than a losing mentality. That competitive drive has been with me from a young age and has shaped how I approach both sport and life in general. But it’s important to understand that not every day goes as planned. There are moments filled with self-doubt and frustration, times when things don’t click, and I feel like I’m not performing at my best. During those tough periods, I tend to withdraw completely. I go home and often don’t speak to anyone. Sometimes I even lose my appetite because my mind is so consumed with what went wrong. I just try to rest and let my body and mind recover. It can feel like I’m truly sick, mentally and emotionally, until the next game comes around. At home, I am incredibly grateful that my wife understands these difficult moments. She knows when to give me space and when to simply be there without pushing for answers about the game. That support is invaluable because ultimately, I have to process these events and bounce back on my own.

Over time, I have learned that sometimes, on any given day, another team or player might be better than me. Accepting that reality is difficult, but necessary. It keeps me grounded and motivates me to keep improving rather than getting stuck in frustration and self-doubt.

Although your nation is no longer in existence, you were regarded as one of the greatest Yugoslavian athletes. How did you navigate the emotional and personal challenges that came with that transition?

Politics is a deeply sensitive topic for me, and what happened with Yugoslavia remains one of the most difficult chapters of my life. Even today, I find myself in denial and struggling to fully accept the current reality. I never truly adapted to the separation of what was once my home. When people ask me, “Where are you from?” I instinctively say, “I am from Yugoslavia.” It’s not just a place for me. It is an identity, a community, a sense of belonging. Like many Yugoslavians, I believe Yugoslavia was an extraordinary country. We had everything. A variety of cultures, a rich history, and incredible people. That unity was powerful and meaningful. When I travel to Macedonia, I feel connected to the Macedonian people and culture. When I’m in Serbia, I feel that same connection with the Serbian community. This reflects the complex and intertwined nature of my roots. Separation is hard to grasp emotionally because many of us still have friends, family, and shared memories across those former borders. We once belonged to one place, and that shared history is difficult to let go of. Alone, we may feel weaker, but together, united, we are so much stronger. I hold onto hope that, perhaps in 20 years, we might witness reunification as a nation.

Throughout your coaching career, you have had the unique experience of coaching 6 different national teams. How has working with diverse teams and cultures shaped your management and leadership style?

Coaching six different national teams has been an incredible journey that taught me one fundamental truth: to lead effectively, you must first analyze and understand the culture and mentality of the players you are working with. Each country has its traditions, values, and ways of thinking, and respecting those is key to building trust and connection amongst the team. Respect, in particular, is a constant requirement no matter where you coach. Every culture is worthy of that regard.

While integrating tactics and techniques is important, what’s often more challenging is understanding the team’s mentality. Based on my experience, Spanish players tend to respond best when they see their coach as a guiding, almost fatherly figure. You need to nurture and support them rather than pressure them, because if you push too hard, you risk losing their focus. Russian players, in contrast, approach the game like soldiers, following instructions with discipline similar to that of a military system. Adapting my communication and management style to fit these cultural differences has been essential throughout my coaching career.

That said, patriotism and a deep sense of connection to one’s country are the fuel behind true commitment on the court. When a player hears their country’s national anthem before the game, they must feel something inside. They must be willing to die and to sacrifice their life for their country. A player must repeat, “I am from this country, and these are my people. They support me.” I remember coaching Slovenia in a tough tournament against Croatia, and my team was exhausted and mentally distant. At halftime, I reminded them of the thousands of Slovenians watching and hoping for a medal. I challenged them to fight not only for themselves but for their country’s pride. That message lit a fire in them. They came back energized and scored several crucial goals. Ultimately, coaching across different countries has shown me that leadership goes beyond tactics. It’s about empathy, cultural understanding, and adaptability. When you strike that balance, you can truly inspire a team to reach its highest potential. I would also say that, as a coach, you must have a personal sense of motivation with each country and team that you work with. Only then can you truly motivate the players.

Could you expand on coaching, particularly in the Arab Gulf region? What unique challenges and rewards have you encountered along the way?

The Qatar Handball Federation, under the leadership of Ahmed AlShabi, its president, has provided outstanding support. The resources and infrastructure make it possible to build something special. And the players, once motivated and unified, have incredible potential and commitment.

Coaching in the Arab Gulf region, especially with the Qatari national team, has been a unique experience that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. One of the biggest challenges is the diversity within the team itself. Many players come from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, which means building a unified team spirit isn’t always straightforward. You have to work harder to create a sense of belonging and shared identity. Another challenge is fostering deep patriotism and connection to the country. In many established sports nations, players grow up with a strong emotional bond to their homeland, which naturally fuels their motivation. Here, that connection is still developing, so part of my role is to help the players internalize what it means to represent Qatar. It is a continuous learning process, but one that’s deeply fulfilling as you witness a team growing stronger, not just in skills but in heart.

Could you speak more about the involvement of medical staff in your coaching? How often do you integrate the medical team as a support element for training, recovery, and injury prevention?

Each person on the support team plays an important role. Most people do not see them, but they are essential. Sometimes, I believe that those who are not in the spotlight do a lot of work for the team. For example, it is very hard to compete in events like the world championships and perform consistently. You only have 48 hours to recover your team for the next game. That means doctors and physiotherapists must work very hard to provide the best medical care tailored to each player to help speed their recovery. Sometimes, the doctor makes key decisions, like who will play, not me, the coach. Doctors give us valuable information to better understand a player's performance and condition. Therefore, I would not advise coaches to make decisions that go against the doctor's judgment. Sports medicine doctors specializing in handball must understand that these players are not ordinary people; in fact, they are unique, with high pain tolerance. Often, the team's doctor is also the designated psychologist for the players. So, the doctor's opinion is very important because we have different types of players. Some can tolerate pain and don't complain, while others have minor injuries and complain all the time. The doctor handles all of this. I also believe my staff should set a good example for the team. We must all function like a family. If we want to manage the players effectively, we must lead by example. We need to demonstrate cohesion among the staff and support team.

What simple advice do you have for the next generation of coaches, particularly those who are transitioning from being high-level athletes to starting their coaching journey?

The first and most important advice I would give to any coach is to always be honest with your players. I never speak about one player negatively to another behind their back. If a player comes to me with a problem involving a teammate, I call both in immediately and ask them to resolve it together. Transparency builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any successful team. Secondly, I avoid making big promises. I don’t tell players they are guaranteed to play; instead, I tell them I will give them a chance. Managing expectations realistically keeps the team motivated and focused on working hard every day. A good coach must also seek input from their support staff, including the medical team, trainers, assistants, but ultimately, the final decision lies with the coach. It’s important to stand firm in your judgment, especially when faced with outside pressures. For example, people might tell you that certain players are on the team because of a manager’s contract or a sponsor’s influence. If you start allowing those pressures to influence your decision-making, your coaching career is compromised. You must honor your words and take responsibility for your choices. It’s easy to have others blame the coach, but owning your decisions is what separates a good coach from an exceptional one. That honesty can come with risks—you may lose your job if you don’t give in to pressure—but in the long run, your integrity will speak volumes and earn respect.

Finally, for athletes transitioning into coaching, my advice to them would be to forget that they were once star players. You must start fresh and build yourself anew. Coaching is much more complex because you must understand the challenges each player faces, both on and off the court. Every player has internal struggles, and while nobody wants to understand you, everyone expects you to understand them. Young coaches should educate themselves constantly and learn from others, but at the same time, you must also develop your unique style and identity as a leader. It’s a demanding but rewarding journey, yet I can’t stress enough that authenticity is key within your coaching career.

Looking ahead, what do you envision the future holding for handball?

One of the biggest challenges handball faces today is its resistance to change. Unlike many modern sports that have evolved over the years to become faster, more dynamic, and more engaging, handball has remained largely the same. I believe this lack of adaptation could limit the sport’s growth and appeal. Looking forward, I think the sport of handball must undergo crucial changes to make the game more exciting. For example, introducing a shot clock, similar to basketball’s 24 or 30 seconds for an attack, would add urgency and pace to each offensive play. This would prevent teams from stalling and would keep the action continuous and thrilling. Another idea is to rethink players' roles. Players should not be restricted to just offense or defense. Handball is a fluid game, and players should be versatile, able to contribute on both ends of the court. This flexibility would make the game more tactical. I also see potential in changing how goals are scored. For instance, awarding two points for goals scored from longer distances or more difficult shots. This would add another layer of strategy. Finally, the sport should embrace technology more fully, whether through video replay, analytics, or fan engagement tools, to truly modernize the game. If handball can evolve in these ways, it will have a brighter future, one that excites players and fans alike.

Fai Al-Naimi