On Saturday, 11 October, the final countdown began before the start of the 38th European Table Tennis Team Championships in Zadar. The clock now measures hours rather than days — the first matches are scheduled for Sunday, 12 October, at 10:00 a.m.
Less than 24 hours before the opening serve, Croatia’s representatives met the media at a press conference: Lea RAKOVAC and Andrej GAĆINA, national coaches Dragutin ŠURBEK Jr. and Neven KARKOVIĆ, and Josipa ZAJEC, Head of the European Championships Office.
Lea RAKOVAC spoke first.
“This is a team competition, where collective success is more important than individual performance. The key is that every player feels good and approaches each match with focus, energy, and a positive attitude. The atmosphere in our team is excellent and we want to keep it that way. We hope the home crowd will support us in large numbers — their energy can make a big difference,” said Rakovac, currently ranked No. 24 in Europe.
Women’s team coach Dragutin ŠURBEK Jr. underlined the significance of finishing among the top two in the group, where Croatia will face England and Italy.
“We start against England, and in that match we are the favourites. The priority is to qualify from the group, as doing so would automatically secure a place at the 2026 World Team Championships in London. Our players have vast experience from major international events, including European, World, and Olympic competitions. The leading contenders here are Romania, Germany, and France, with strong challenges also expected from Portugal, Sweden, and Austria with European Champion Sofia POLCANOVA. Finishing first in the group would give us a better draw in the round of 16,” said Šurbek.
Men’s team coach Neven KARKOVIĆ noted the changes in modern table tennis and how the growing number of international events affects players and preparation.
“The calendar has changed significantly in recent years — it now resembles tennis in intensity. Next year there will be as many as 60 international tournaments. At the same time, players earn most of their income through club leagues, which adds another layer of complexity. Maintaining form throughout the season is demanding; table tennis is a sensitive sport where even small changes in confidence can influence results. The players are very motivated, especially as they are competing at home in Zadar. The main title contenders are France, Sweden, and Germany, but every team will look for its chance,” he said.
For years Croatia’s leading player, Andrej GAĆINA remains the country’s highest-ranked man in Europe (No. 16), just ahead of Tomislav PUCAR. Competing in his hometown brings an extra emotional dimension.
“Playing the European Championships in my hometown is a special moment. It’s a privilege to represent Croatia here in Zadar. The goal for all of us is to give our best and enjoy every moment of the competition,” said GACINA.
The Croatian men’s team will be the first to take to the tables on Sunday at 16:00, facing Moldova.
“Our full focus is on the opening match against Moldova. They are a very competitive team, their top player was the best in the Polish league last year, one of the strongest in Europe. Austria will be our second opponent, and we have met them at most major events in recent years. Those matches are always close and demanding,” he commented.
Reflecting briefly on his early beginnings, GACINA recalled that his table tennis journey started in Zadar during his childhood, training with his brother on a homemade table.
“This is where it all began for me, and competing here again brings back great memories,” he added.
Josipa ZAJEC, Head of the European Championships Office, closed the press conference by highlighting the scale of the event’s organisation.
“Organising a tournament of this size cannot be compared to a WTT Contender in Zagreb, which can be prepared in two months. The preparation for this championship began a year ago. The biggest challenge was securing the financial structure, but thanks to the Government of the Republic of Croatia, the City of Zadar, and numerous sponsors, we have met the high standards of the European Table Tennis Union — from venue branding and TV production to the logistics of welcoming more than 600 participants through the airports of Zadar and Split. Everything is ready, and we are proud of the result,” said ZAJEC.
