Reflecting on the progress of deaf athletes, Lušić takes pride in the Croatian deaf handball team’s achievements, which have paved the way for other sports within the deaf community.
“We’re now successful in many sports within the Croatian Deaf Sports Association. If it weren't for handball, many of these wouldn't exist today.”
However, the journey has not been without its challenges. Players with hearing impairments often struggle with referee signals or instructions from coaches and teammates.
“Some of our players don’t benefit from cochlear implants or hearing aids, and they missed signals. By working closely with officials and educating those involved in the sport, the Association has managed to create better understanding and support for players who may otherwise feel misunderstood,” Lušić explains, acknowledging that sport can be both a source of frustration and empowerment.
“I know when I started playing handball I was often misunderstood. Coaches thought I was stubborn or not that smart. So, even the smallest adjustment can make a huge difference.”
The success of Croatia’s national deaf handball team has been remarkable — six European and three world gold medals, as well as nine medals from Deaflympics. However, the success goes beyond medals and trophies, as a family-like bond has been formed among the team members. Lušić, who is still playing indoor handball in Croatia's second division, at Metalac, speaks of respect and sacrifice.
“We are all like one big family, where everyone adjusts to the common goal. Many of us are taking vacation days to be with the national team, with the big support of our family and friends.”
Looking to the future, Lušić hopes to see a Croatia women's deaf national handball team and more young athletes enter the court through collaboration with the sports federations.
“We still don't have a women's national team in Croatia. So far, we had three or four players, but with that, we couldn’t do much more. But I hope we will in the near future,” he says.
“We planned a project in 2020, which started in 2022 due to COVID-19. We are creating a base for the development of children and young people in sport. However, regarding the overall representation of women in sports for the deaf, it is significant, and I must proudly emphasise that, apart from the men’s handball team, we have many more women than men in other individual sports.”