Thursday marked a bittersweet moment in Slovenian Volleyball as one of the best players Mitja Gasparini officially said goodbye to this beautiful sport at his farewell match in Maribor where Slovenia hosted Egypt as a part of the preparation for the 2023 EuroVolley. Gasparini’s contributions on and off the court have left an indelible mark on the volleyball and the hearts of volleyball fans not only in Slovenia but broader.
Gasparini’s remarkable volleyball journey started in Izola, where he followed the footsteps of his older brother Dejan, and took him across continents, from Greece, Italy, and Poland to South Korea, Japan, and finally Iran. His volleyball path saw him proudly don the national team jersey an impressive 221 times during official matches, an achievement that speaks volumes of his 19-year-long commitment and loyalty to his country.
Mitja Gasparini stands as a true legend in the world of volleyball, leaving an indelible mark on the sport through his incredible career achievements.
His most remarkable feats include claiming two silver medals at the CEV European Championships in 2015 and 2019, alongside many medals in the CEV European League and the FIVB World League, further cementing his legacy as a truly exceptional volleyball player.
A fitting conclusion to Gasparini’s impressive career came in the form of the 2022 FIVB World Championship, jointly hosted by Slovenia and Poland. Although he played his farewell match and waved goodbye to Volleyball, he is staying loyal to the sport and will continue to pass his knowledge on to children through his volleyball academy Gaspa.
