Born: 1970 (Skopje, Macedonia)
Biography:
Indira Kastratović, née Jakupović, was born on October 2, 1970, in Skopje, Macedonia. She is widely regarded as one of the best Macedonian female handball players in history and one of the best right backs in the world. Indira’s remarkable talent and determination have left an indelible mark on the sport.
Indira’s journey in handball began in her early years, demonstrating natural agility and skill. As she honed her abilities, she caught the attention of talent scouts and quickly rose through the ranks. Her exceptional goal-scoring ability and defensive prowess made her an asset to any team she played for.
One of the most memorable moments in Indira’s career came during the 1997 World Women’s Handball Championship. Representing the Macedonian national team, she played a key role in helping them achieve an impressive 7th place finish. Indira’s exceptional performance saw her score 71 goals, the highest tally in the entire championship that year.
For the majority of her career, Indira played for Kometal Gjorče Petrov Skopje, becoming one of their most prominent players. She participated in the Champions League on multiple occasions and reached the final twice. In 2002, Indira’s talent and determination culminated in a remarkable victory when Kometal Gjorče Petrov Skopje secured the Champions League title. Indira delivered a stellar performance, scoring 10 goals in the final game.
Apart from her notable achievements on the court, Indira is married to renowned handball coach Zoran Kastratović. Their shared passion for the sport has created a strong bond and a deep understanding of each other’s pursuits. Their partnership exemplifies the dedication and commitment required to excel in the demanding world of professional handball.
Indira’s influence extends beyond her impressive career. As one of the most celebrated female handball players, she has inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams. Her dedication to the sport and her unwavering determination serve as a powerful example to aspiring handball players, particularly girls, who look up to her as a role model.
Furthermore, Indira’s achievements have had a lasting impact on women’s sports, breaking down barriers and challenging gender norms. By demonstrating the strength and skill of women in handball, she has played a critical role in advancing the recognition and respect for female athletes, both in Macedonia and worldwide.
In recognition of her remarkable contributions to the sport, Indira has garnered numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. These include 12 Macedonian League titles and 12 Macedonian Cup victories with Kometal Gjorče Petrov Skopje. She was also a finalist in the Champions League in 2000 and 2005, winning the title in 2002. Additionally, Indira achieved success as a coach, winning three Macedonian League titles and three Macedonian Cup titles with ZRK Vardar.
Indira Kastratović’s exceptional talent, dedication, and impact on the sport have solidified her place as one of the greatest handball players in history. Her accomplishments and influence continue to inspire future generations of athletes and contribute to the growth and development of women’s sports around the world.
Awards:
– 12 Macedonian League titles with Kometal Gjorče Petrov Skopje (1995-2006)
– 12 Macedonian Cup victories with Kometal Gjorče Petrov Skopje (1995-2006)
– 1 Champions League title with Kometal Gjorče Petrov Skopje (2002)
– Finalist in the Champions League (2000, 2005)
– 1 Champions Trophy title (2002)
– Semi-Finalist in the Champions Trophy (2004)
– 3 Macedonian League titles with ZRK Vardar (2013-2015)
– 3 Macedonian Cup titles with ZRK Vardar (2013-2015)