Bishop Ivo Martinović of Požega received members of the futsal team from the Parish of St Barbara in Jakšić at the Bishop's House in Požega on Sunday, 8 November 2026. The team achieved a significant success by winning the title at the 20th national final of the Croatian Church Catholic Futsal League.
The national final was held from 5 to 7 June 2026 in Sarajevo, where the Jakšić players represented the Diocese of Požega in the competition. In the final match, they defeated the representatives of the Archdiocese of Đakovo-Osijek with a score of 3:2, securing the championship title.
Bishop Martinović congratulated the players on their success and thanked them for dignly representing their parish and the Diocese of Požega. He emphasised that this sporting achievement is not only a source of satisfaction but also an incentive for strengthening community among young people.
He noted that sport provides motivation for achieving success and victory, but also encourages overcoming life's difficulties. According to him, sport connects people, develops cooperation, mutual respect and friendship, and can be an important means for involving young people in the life of the parish, diocese and Church.
The bishop reminded them that the value of sport is not measured only by results, but also by the relationships built through it, the community fostered, and the willingness to put one's own abilities to the benefit of others. At the end of the meeting, he wished the winning team much success in future sporting events, joy, community and God's blessing in their personal and faith life.
