Born: 1973
Biography:
Bojana Radulović, born on March 23, 1973, is a retired Serbian-Hungarian handball player who is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time. Known for her exceptional skills and achievements, she has left an indelible mark on the sport of handball. Radulović’s prowess on the court earned her numerous accolades throughout her career.
Radulović began her handball journey in her hometown club before turning professional with ŽRK Radnički Belgrade. In 1991, she helped lead her team to victory in the EHF Cup Winners’ Cup, marking the beginning of her successful career. She then made the move abroad, joining Spanish side BM Sagunto. Radulović’s talent quickly became evident, and she was soon signed by Caola SE in Hungary. Despite playing for a lower-ranked team, her exceptional skills stood out, and she won the top scorers’ award in 1995.
After her impressive performances, Dunaújváros recognized Radulović’s talent and secured her services as a right back. She immediately became a key player for the club, showcasing her creative style, intelligent gameplay, and exceptional goal-scoring instinct. In 1998, Radulović achieved her first major success with Dunaújváros, winning the treble by clinching the EHF Cup, the Hungarian cup, and the Hungarian championship. She finished as the third-highest goal scorer in the Hungarian championship with 170 goals.
As a result of winning the national title, Dunaújváros qualified for the EHF Champions League for the first time in their history. After navigating through the quarterfinals and semifinals, the club faced Krim Ljubljana in the finals. With Radulović leading the way, Dunaújváros emerged victorious, winning the premier European tournament in club handball. Later that year, she added the EHF Champions Trophy to her ever-growing collection of titles.
At just 26 years old, Radulović had already achieved the remarkable feat of winning all the major continental titles. Throughout her career, she continued to contribute to Dunaújváros, establishing the club as a top contender. Although they came close, they were unable to secure another continental trophy.
Radulović also made her mark on the international stage. Representing Hungary, she won a silver medal at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. She further added to her medal collection with another silver at the 2003 World Championship in Croatia. In 2004, playing on home soil at the European Championship, Radulović helped Hungary secure a bronze medal by defeating Russia in the third-place match.
Overall, Radulović’s influence on handball cannot be overstated. Her exceptional skills, strategic play, and goal-scoring instinct set her apart as one of the greatest players of her generation. Moreover, her achievements have inspired countless aspiring handball players and have helped to elevate the sport to new heights. Retirement did not mark the end of her involvement in handball, as she now leads the handball academy of Dunaújváros, passing on her knowledge and expertise to future generations.
Awards:
– IHF World Player of the Year: 2000, 2003