Rising Star Nina Ramusovic Poised for Champions League Return

Nina Ramusovic, an 18-year-old handball prodigy from Montenegro, is set to make a significant return to the court on January 10, 2026, when she competes in the Champions League against Bistrica in Romania. Despite facing two serious injuries that sidelined her early in her career, her determination and talent have made her a standout player, drawing attention to the potential of Montenegrin handball.

Ramusovic’s journey has not been easy. She suffered from anterior cruciate ligament injuries that interrupted her development, yet these setbacks did not diminish her value to the sport. Her hard work in the lower leagues, including her time with Berane and later Niksic, led her to the senior team of Buducnost, where she debuted in the Champions League at just 17 years old.

In January 2023, while competing in Germany, she sustained another injury that required surgery, extending her recovery period. However, she returned to the court by the end of last year, participating in two matches against Lokomotiva, where her skills quickly became evident.

Nina expressed her excitement about rejoining her team, stating, “The return to the court has taken a long time, but that was the way it had to be. Now I am completely ready.” Her resilience is supported by her family and coaches, who have been instrumental during her rehabilitation process. “Whenever I faced tough moments, they brought me back on track with their positive energy,” she added.

As she trained during her recovery, Ramusovic focused on both physical rehabilitation and education. She managed her time effectively, balancing her studies with training, which helped her maintain a positive mindset. “I organized myself well and didn’t have issues with free time,” she noted.

Her conditioning coach, Milivoje Đurđic, and physiotherapist Mitar Vujovic played crucial roles in her recovery. Nina acknowledged their contributions, saying, “I owe a great deal of gratitude to Coach Maja and Coach Zoran, who worked with me during the World Championship.”

The young athlete is passionate about handball and is eager to contribute to her team’s success. “I love and enjoy handball. I know that hard work is important, and nothing is easy in sports,” she affirmed.

As the holiday season approached, Ramusovic was thrilled to step back onto the court. “I was counting down the days. My biggest wish came true, and the emotions were overwhelming,” she said, recalling how she felt during her first match back. “I just love handball, and it gives me immense happiness.”

Nina is not afraid of facing tough opponents. She approached her return with confidence, stating, “I didn’t think about how I would perform. I knew I was ready, and I would play without any other concerns.” Although she missed the junior European Championship this summer, she remained committed to supporting her teammates from the sidelines and eagerly anticipates joining them again.

Looking ahead, Ramusovic is optimistic about Buducnost’s prospects in the Champions League. “The last match against Esbjerg was excellent. We were well-prepared for such a strong opponent. I sincerely hope we continue to perform as we did against the Danish team. We will fight for every point, and then the results will come,” she asserted.

With her sights set on representing the senior national team, Ramusovic dreams of achieving the best possible outcomes in upcoming competitions. She has a strong desire to contribute to her team’s success on the international stage, while also expressing gratitude to her former coach, Bojana Popovic, for her support throughout her recovery.

As Nina Ramusovic prepares for her return to the Champions League, her journey exemplifies resilience, determination, and the spirit of a true athlete.