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Wikipedia - Montenegrin Men's Handball First League
The Montenegrin Men's Handball First League (Montenegrin: Crnogorska prva muška rukometna liga) is the top men's team handball league in Montenegro. It is organized by the Handball Federation of Montenegro.
History
Before independence
During the history, many Montenegrin clubs played in the SFR Yugoslavia / FR Yugoslavia / Serbia and Montenegro First Handball League. Among them were RK Lovćen, RK Budućnost, RK Mornar, RK Rudar and RK Berane.
First Montenegrin team which played in Yugoslav First League is Rudar, which debuted in the top-tier on season 1964–65. More than 20 years passed until next teams from Montenegro played in the top-tier. At the end of nineties, member of First League became Lovćen, and at the beginning of nineties Budućnost and Mornar. On season 1994–95, third-placed Mornar gained participation in EHF Cities Cup 1995–96 and that was the first ever performance of some Montenegrin side in European competitions.
From season 1996–97, started the domination of Lovćen – who won two champion titles in FR Yugoslavia (1999–2000; 2000–01), with two consecutive seasons in EHF Champions League. On season 2000–01, Lovćen played in Champions League quarterfinals, against THW Kiel (29–24; 22–35). That was the greatest result of some Montenegrin handball team in European competitions.
During the new century, except Lovćen, in the First League of FR Yugoslavia played Rudar (at that time under the name Pljevlja), Berane and Budućnost.
Below is the list of performances of Montenegrin clubs in Yugoslav Handball League with final placements on each season.
| Club | 65 | 69 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 00 | 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rudar | 11 | 13 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5 | – |
| Lovćen | – | – | 6 | 11 | 15 | – | – | – | 7 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Budućnost | – | – | – | – | 16 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 15 | – | – | – | – | – |
| Mornar | – | – | – | – | – | 7 | 8 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 9 | 13 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Berane | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 9 | 11 | 6 | 12 | – | 10 | 5 |
The only Montenegrin club who gained trophies in Yugoslav League was RK Lovćen. They gained two champion titles, with four finishes as a runner-up of championship.
Below is the list of Montenegrin clubs' champion titles in the First League of Yugoslavia.
| Club | Winners | Runners-up | Winning Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| RK Lovćen Cetinje | 2
|
4
|
1999–00, 2000–01 |
After independence
Soon after the Montenegrin independence referendum, Handball Federation of Montenegro founded its own competitions, with the First League as a top-tier competition. During the history, RK Lovćen was most successful side and participated three times on regional SEHA League.
In the league participate eight or ten clubs, and the season have two parts. During the first part, there are 14 or 18 legs, after which are forming two groups – TOP4 (league for the champion) and league for relegation.
First League is one of three men's handball competitions in Montenegro. Other high level competition is Montenegrin Cup.
Period 2006–2015
First title holder in independent Montenegro was RK Lovćen, who won the trophy on season 2006–07. Their biggest opponent at the time was RK Berane, who won the champions' battle during the next season.
Next two years saw the domination of RK Budućnost from Podgorica, who won two consecutive titles. Big incidents occurred at the games during both seasons. Match RK Budućnost – RK Lovćen, which decided about national champion, played on 17 May 2009, was the most attended game in the history of Montenegrin First League (4,000 spectators). Budućnost won 28:26 (18:14) and held the first title in the club history. Match ended with incidents in Sports center 'Morača', with the clash of supporters, but the players Goran Đukanović (Budućnost) and Igor Marković (Lovćen) too. Big crowd disturbances previously happened at the game RK Berane – RK Lovćen.
RK Budućnost was dissolved during the summer 2010. During the season 2010–11, RK Brskovo (at that time under the name RK Mojkovac) gained their first-ever trophy, after title race with RK Lovćen.
From 2011 to 2015, RK Lovćen won four consecutive titles. At that time, team from Cetinje played three seasons in SEHA League, while RK Sutjeska participated once.
Period 2016–
With poor performances of RK Lovćen and following earlier relegations of many notable teams as RK Berane or RK Sutjeska, title holder on season 2015–16 was RK Budvanska rivijera. Next season, the trophy won RK Partizan from Tivat.
New time of RK Lovćen domination started in 2017. Team from Cetinje won two consecutive trophies in seasons 2017–18 and 2018–19.
Season 2019–20 was interrupted after 12 weeks, due to coronavirus pandemic. During the April, Montenegrin national handball federation decided to erase all the results in every single competition. But, after the consultations with the First League members in May, federation changed the decision, so the table after 13 weeks became a final score of the season. With that decision, RK Lovćen won the title, while RK Komovi became a runner-up.
The Montenegro Prva Liga is the premier handball league in Montenegro, showcasing the best talent and fierce competition in the sport. Established to promote and develop handball at both the grassroots and professional levels, the league features a dynamic mix of established clubs and emerging teams, all vying for the coveted championship title.
Held annually, the tournament attracts passionate fans and dedicated athletes from across the country. Matches are played in various arenas, creating an electric atmosphere filled with excitement and camaraderie. The league not only highlights the skill and athleticism of the players but also emphasizes teamwork, strategy, and sportsmanship.
Throughout the season, teams compete in a round-robin format, culminating in thrilling playoffs that determine the league champion. The Montenegro Prva Liga serves as a vital platform for players to showcase their abilities, with many aspiring to represent Montenegro on the international stage.
In addition to the competitive aspect, the tournament fosters community engagement and promotes the sport of handball throughout Montenegro. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for the game, the Montenegro Prva Liga continues to grow, inspiring the next generation of handball players and fans alike.