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"I didn’t like India – the country. I didn’t like the food, traffic, hygiene," the World No.245 wrote on her Instagram story.

Serbian tennis player Dejana Radanovic makes controversial remarks against India

Serbian Tennis Player Dejana Radanovic found herself in the middle of a controversy after she made distasteful remarks against India.

"I didn&rsquo;t like India &ndash; the country. I didn&rsquo;t like the food, traffic, hygiene," the World No.245 wrote on her Instagram story.

Serbian Tennis Player Dejana Radanovic found herself in the middle of a controversy after she made distasteful remarks against India.
Radanovic was in India for 3 weeks and player 3 ITF tournaments but it seemed that she didn't like her stay.
"I didn&rsquo;t like India &ndash; the country. I didn&rsquo;t like the food, traffic, hygiene (worms in the food, yellow pillows and dirty bed linen in the hotel, not knowing how to use roundabout etc.)" the World No.245 wrote on her Instagram story.
"If you come to my country, Serbia, and you don&rsquo;t like all those same things, that means you are a racist??? What the hell that has to do with racism?!" She added.
In another Instagram story in Munich, Germany, Dejana Radanovic wrote, "Hello civilization. Only those who have experienced something like India for 3 weeks can understand the feeling."
Sharing another picture of traffic, she wrote, "But I gotta admit that they are amazing drivers and traffic was interesting sometimes. You may never know how your day will look like, what is going to happen and everyone is honking all the time, like in traffic rush game."
Radanovic participated in 3 W50 events in Pune, Bengaluru and Indore. The 27-year-old played in the ongoing Mumbai Open WTA $125K, but she was knocked out of the tournament in the qualifier round, losing to India's Vaidehi Chaudhary.

It came a day after a 13-year-old boy used his father's guns to kill eight fellow students and a guard at a school in Belgrade, the capital.

Gunman goes on a shooting spree in Serbia, 8 killed; suspect held

It came a day after a 13-year-old boy used his father's guns to kill eight fellow students and a guard at a school in Belgrade, the capital.

A gunman apparently shooting at random killed eight people and wounded 14 in three Serbian villages, authorities said, shaking a nation still in the throes of grief over a mass shooting a day earlier. Police arrested a suspect on Friday after an all-night manhunt.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic called on Thursday's shooting an attack on the whole nation.
It came a day after a 13-year-old boy used his father's guns to kill eight fellow students and a guard at a school in Belgrade, the capital.
The bloodshed sent shockwaves through a Balkan nation scarred by wars, but unused to mass murders. Though Serbia is awash with weapons left over from the wars of the 1990s, Wednesday's shooting was the first at a school in the country's modern history.
The last mass shooting before this week was in 2013 when a war veteran killed 13 people in a central Serbian village.

Six more children and a teacher were injured and hospitalized.

Teen opens fire in Serbian school, 8 children and school guard killed

A teenage boy opened fire at a school in Serbia's capital Wednesday, killing eight children and a school guard, police said.

Six more children and a teacher were injured and hospitalized.

A teenage boy opened fire at a school in Serbia's capital Wednesday, killing eight children and a school guard, police said.
Six more children and a teacher were injured and hospitalised.
Police identified the shooter by his initials, K.K., and said he had opened fire with his father's gun.
He was arrested in the schoolyard, police said. A statement identified him as a student at the school in central Belgrade who was born in 2009.
Police said they received a call about the shooting at the Vladislav Ribnikar primary school around 8:40 a.m. Primary schools in Serbia have eight grades, starting with first grade.
Local media footage from the scene showed commotion outside the school as police removed the suspect, whose head was covered as officers led him to a car parked in the street.
A student who heard the shooting, who was identified only by her initials, E.M., because of her age, described the suspect as a &ldquo;quiet guy&rdquo; who &ldquo;looked nice.&rdquo;
Police sealed off the blocks around the school, in the centre of Belgrade.
Unlike in the United States, mass shootings in Serbia and in the wider Balkan region are extremely rare; none were reported at schools in recent years.
In the last mass shooting, a Balkan war veteran in 2013 killed 13 people in a central Serbian village.

21-time Grand slam champion Novak Djokovic is up and running in his pursuit of yet another slam as the Serbian defeated Spain's Carballes Baena 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 in the first round of the Australian Open 2023 at the Rod Laver Arena.

WATCH Australian Open Highlights: Novak Djokovic beats Carballes Baena in straight sets to advance to 2nd round

On his much-awaited return to the Australian Open, 21-time Grand Slam Champion cruised to the 2nd round at the expense of Spain's Carballes Baena.

Click to WATCH the Video Highlights.
#AusOpen #Djokovic

Djokovic had to play with a strapped left hamstring after tweaking his muscle during his run to the Adelaide title a few days back.

21-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is up and running in his pursuit of yet another title as the Serbian defeated Spain's Carballes Baena 6-3, 6-4, 6-0 in the first round of the Australian Open.
Djokovic had to play with a strapped left hamstring after tweaking his muscle during his run to the Adelaide title a few days back.
The 35-year-old, who was greeted with loud cheers by the Aussie crowd, didn't disappoint his fans at all, winning the match in 2 hours and 2 minutes.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/football/watch-bayern-munich-players-go-fast-and-furious-in-the-alps-1673950537151">Watch! Bayern Munich players go Fast and Furious in the Alps!</a>

Around 1,000 km away from Ukraine, yet another historical territorial dispute is threatening to overwhelm Europe, and further shake the world - the Serbia-Kosovo conflict.

Not Ukraine, this conflict in Europe has more potential to cause NATO-Russia war? | Serbia v Kosovo

Around 1,000 km away from Ukraine, yet another historical territorial dispute is threatening to overwhelm Europe, and further shake the world - the Serbia-Kosovo conflict.

Weapons ready to attack at the border. Soldiers at highest combat alertness. Across the border, roads blocked with trucks and tractors by angry civilians. This are scenes in Europe, but not Ukraine.
Around 1,000 km away from Ukraine, yet another historical territorial dispute is threatening to overwhelm Europe, and further shake the world - the Serbia-Kosovo conflict.
To understand what's happening in Kosovo now, let's first take a look at the events of the past few decades.
 THE HISTORY
Kosovo, an Albanian-majority region, was a province of Serbia. Kosovo fought a guerrilla war against Serbian "repression". This led to a war in 1998-99 in which NATO intervened to protect ethnic Albanians. Kosovo declared independence from Serbia in 2008, but Serbia doesn't recognise Kosovo as a separate nation.
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/in-depth/the-hook/usa-s-most-feared-nuclear-warplane-out-of-action-why-grounding-of-all-b-2-spirit-bombers-is-significant-1672151278053">USA's most feared nuclear warplane out of action: why grounding of all B-2 Spirit Bombers is significant</a>
Ethnic Serbs, which form 5% of the Kosovar population, reject Pristina's authority. They defy the Kosovo government by not paying power bills, and even fighting the police. The Serbs in Kosovo want an association of autonomous municipalities where the community is in majority. Serbia and Kosovo have agreed to negotiations sponsored by the European Union but there has been no headway.
Now, after days of rising tension, the situation in Kosovo and Serbia appears to be relaxing.
 THE CURRENT TENSION
One of the major sparks behind the recent flare-up was the arrest of a former policeman from the Serb community in Kosovo. He was held for allegedly assaulting police personnel. To resolve the tension, the ex-cop was released from jail on 29 December, and put under house arrest.
To protest the ex-cop's arrest, Serbs erected multiple roadblocks in north Kosovo, including on a key road from Serbia. On 28 December, the President of Serbia brokered the removal of the roadblocks.
Another point of dispute simmering recently was a two-month deadline for Serbs to switch to vehicle license plates issued by the Kosovar government. After a protest in which many Serb mayors, judges, and policemen quit, Pristina extended the deadline.
 WHY WORLD IS WARY
The reason why this tension is so alarming for the entire world is that NATO, the military alliance led by USA, and Russia have gotten involved in the conflict.
While NATO supports and recognises Kosovo's independence, Russia helps Serbia block Kosovo getting membership in the United Nations, and other international bodies. NATO has deployed around 3,700 troops in Kosovo as peace-keepers. Russia sees NATO action in the region as transgression in its backyard. Also, the European Union has placed 200 EULEX special police officers in Kosovo. Meanwhile, other adversaries of the US, like China, also support Serbia and call Kosovo an autonomous province under Belgrade.
The US and the European Union have appealed to Kosovo and Serbia to maintain peace. But what if the situation deteriorates? Europe is already reeling badly from the Russia-Ukraine war. Can it handle another active military conflict?
 CAN EUROPE HANDLE ANOTHER WAR?
One possibility is that if war breaks out, NATO may get involved like it did in 1998-99. Then, Serbia's ally Russia may jump in to counter NATO. This direct confrontation between superpowers has the potential to turn into a wider, possibly nuclear, war. On the economic front, a fresh Serbia-Kosovo war may drive up inflation, making food and energy costlier. It may also cause a major economic recession.
On 28 December, when Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic announced that Serbs in Kosovo will remove roadblocks, he added that the "distrust" is yet to be removed. The statement encapsulated the fact that even decades later, the core issues which started the conflict have not been addressed. Without this resolution, peace in the region will continue to be fragile.

Serbia's Interior Minister said that the President gave the order to take "all measures be taken to protect the Serbian people in Kosovo".

Another war in Europe? Serbia puts forces on Kosovo border on combat alert, ignores NATO appeal

Serbia's Interior Minister said that the President gave the order to take "all measures be taken to protect the Serbian people in Kosovo".

Yet another conflict appears to be threatening Europe with Serbia on 26 December 2022 placing its security forces on the border with Kosovo on "full state of combat readiness".
Serbia's Interior Minister said that the President gave the order to take "all measures be taken to protect the Serbian people in Kosovo".
Serbia ignored NATO's appeals for peace between the two wartime Balkan adversaries.
Serbia has claimed harassment of Kosovo Serbs by ethnic Albanians in the breakaway province that declared its independence in 2008.
Earlier Monday, NATO-led peacekeepers said they were investigating a shooting incident in a tense northern region of Kosovo, urging calm as Serbia's top military officials inspected their troops on the border in a show of combat readiness.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/as-russia-ukraine-war-enters-eleventh-month-putin-claims-moscow-ready-for-talks-1672033997131">As Russia-Ukraine war enters eleventh month; Putin claims Moscow ready for talks</a>
The incident on Sunday evening took place in Zubin Potok, a town where local ethnic Serbs have been manning road barricades for the past two weeks and where tensions have been running high.
The peacekeepers, known as KFOR, said the incident happened near one of their patrols, involving unknown people. A statement said no one was injured and &ldquo;we are working to establish all the facts.&rdquo;
Serbia's defence minister and the army's chief of staff travelled to the border with Kosovo, praising the combat readiness of Serbian troops and their firepower, including howitzers and other military hardware. Serbia, which has been armed through Russian donations and military purchases, has been sabre rattling and threatening force against its former province for a long time.
Kosovo remains a potential flashpoint in the Balkans years after the 1998-99 war that ended with NATO intervention. Serbia doesn't recognize the 2008 declaration of independence of its former province, while Western efforts to mediate a solution so far have failed.
(With agency inputs)

Cameroon took the lead in the 29th minute but they were trailing by two goals by the start of the second half.

FIFA World Cup 2022 CMR vs SRB: Cameroon come back from 2 goals down to hold Serbia to a 3-3 draw

A resilient Cameroon came back from two goals down to secure a hard-fought draw against a wasteful Serbia in their second Group G game of FIFA World Cup 2022.

Here is how the game unfolded

This was Serbia's first draw at the World Cup and just the second time where they failed to win a match despite having a two-goal advantage

Cameroon and Serbia played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in their second Group G match in the FIFA World Cup 2022, at the Al Janoub Stadium here in Qatar on Monday.
Cameroon were without regular goalkeeper Andre Onana after he was dropped from the World Cup squad following his alleged fallout with the manager.
Cameroon took a shock lead in the 29th minute through Jean-Charles Castelletto before Serbia struck back with 2 consecutive goals in the first half additional time through Strahinja Pavlovic and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to go ahead at the break.
Cameroon then staged a remarkable comeback with goals from Vincent Aboubakar and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting in the space of 3 minutes to level the scoreline.
This was Serbia's first draw at the World Cup and just the second time where they failed to win a match despite having a two-goal advantage.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/brussels-unrest-10-people-held-for-riots-after-belgium-s-soccer-defeat-fifa-world-cup-2022-1669628463078">Brussels unrest: 10 people held for riots after Belgium's soccer defeat | FIFA World Cup 2022</a>

Serbia will be hoping to make it third time lucky in Qatar by getting past the group stage for the first time in their history. Since their inception as an independent nation, Serbia (not Serbia and Montenegro in 2006) have crashed out at the group 

FIFA World cup 2022: Serbia full schedule, match timings, squad, live telecast and streaming 

Serbia had a phenomenal run in the qualification to the #FIFAWorldCup when they finished ahead of Portugal in their group. But can they build on their momentum at Qatar 2022?

Watch/Read our Serbia preview for #WorldCup

Serbia's crunch clash against Switzerland on December 2 will be crucial to their chances of progressing into the FIFA World Cup knockouts.

Ever since Serbia became an independent nation, they have failed to get past the group stage at the FIFA World Cup. Till 2006, they were playing as Serbia &amp; Montenegro and once Montenegro seceded from the Union, Serbia have crashed out of the group stage in 2010 and in Russia 4 years ago.
But hopes are high this time around that Serbia can progress to the knockout stages for the first time.
Despite being drawn again in the same group as Brazil who they lost to four years ago, Serbia are confident they are stronger this year.
After topping their qualifying group ahead of Portugal, Serbia breezed into the World Cup finals without losing a game. They followed this up by then topping their UEFA Nations League Group and winning promotion to League A in September.
Much of the credit for Serbia's recent upturn in form must go to manager Dragan Stojkovic, who was appointed following Serbia's failure to qualify for the 2020 European Championships.
FIFA World Cup 2022: Serbia Team News
Playing a back three, Stojkovic has succeeded in getting the best out of his sharp-shooting front two, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic.
Fulham's Mitrovic, in particular, has been in sparkling form for his country. Serbia's all-time top scorer has 50 goals in 76 matches and will be one of the outside bets for the Golden Boot, especially considering hapless Cameroon are also in their group.
Crucial for their chances of progressing will be Serbia's crunch clash against Switzerland on December 2 in their last group fixture. It was in this same fixture in Russia that Shaqiri scored a last-minute winner to effectively book Switzerland's place in the last 16 at the expense of Serbia. Four years on, the tides have seemingly turned.
If Stojkovic can keep Serbian heads together, there could even be a strong argument made for the former Yugoslav giants being this tournament's dark horses.
Serbia Group in FIFA World Cup 2022 Serbia have been placed in Group G alongside 5-time winners Brazil, Switzerland, and Cameroon.
Serbia in FIFA World Cup Serbia have played 46 matches in the FIFA World Cup games so far out of which they have won 18 and lost 20.
Serbia FIFA World Cup 2022 Squad
Marko Dmitrovic (Sevilla), Vanja Milinkovic-Savic (Torino), Predrag Rajković (Mallorca)
Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina), Stefan Mitrovic (Getafe), Strahinja Pavlovic (Salzburg), Milos Veljkovic (Werder Bremen), Filip Mladenovic (Legia Warsaw), Srdan Babic (Almeria), Strahinja Erakovic (Red Star Belgrade)
Dusan Tadic (Ajax), Nemanja Gudelj (Sevilla), Filip Kostic (Juventus), Nemanja Maksimovic (Getafe), Filip Duricic (Sampdoria),&nbsp; Nemanja Radonjic (Torino), Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio), Sasa Lukic (Torino), Andrija Zivkovic (PAOK), Uros Racic (Braga), Ivan Ilic (Hellas Verona), Darko Lazovic (Hellas Verona)&nbsp;
Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Luka Jovic (Fiorentina), Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)
Serbia Fifa World Cup 2022 full schedule Fifa World Cup : Group G games- Serbia vs Brazil - 25th Nov; 12:30 AM IST &ndash; Lusail Stadium Serbia vs Cameroon - 28th Nov; 3:30 PM IST &ndash; Al Janoub Stadium Serbia vs Switzerland &ndash; 3rd Dec; 12:30 AM IST- Stadium 974
Serbia Fifa World Cup 2022 live telecast in India FIFA World Cup will be live telecast on Sports18 and Sports18 HD in India
Serbia Fifa World Cup 2022 live streaming in India All FIFA World Cup 2022 matches will be available to all viewers for free on JioCinema; JioCinema is available to download for all telecom operators.
&nbsp;

After the deportation of Novak Djokovic ahead of the Australian Open, ATP termed the Serbian's visa cancellation a regrettable series of events.
The ATP statement further said that irrespective of how this point has been reached, Novak is one of our sport’s greatest champions and his absence from the Australian Open is a loss for the game.
Meanwhile, Australia's home affairs minister has defended the handling of the Djokovic visa situation and said that the government acted in the country's national interests.
Also read: 'Extremely disappointed': Vaccination sceptic Djokovic sent back from Australia
Moreover, Serbian prime minister Ana Brnabic extended her support to the 34-year-old tennis star and argued that how there have been two totally opposed court decisions within just a few days.
After the 20-times grand slam champion was deported from Australia on Sunday, a light display covering a Belgrade tower proclaimed him the "pride of Serbia."

Djokovic deportation: ATP terms the Serbian's absence from the Australian Open, a loss to the game

Serbian prime minister Ana Brnabic extended her support to the 34-year-old tennis star and argued that how there have been two totally opposed court decisions within just a few days

After the deportation of Novak Djokovic ahead of the Australian Open, ATP termed the Serbian's visa cancellation a regrettable series of events.
The ATP statement further said that irrespective of how this point has been reached, Novak is one of our sport&rsquo;s greatest champions and his absence from the Australian Open is a loss for the game.
Bite 1:&nbsp;Karen Andrews, Australian Home Affairs Minister
"I think throughout this process, Australians can be very confident, very sure that the Morrison government will always look after their best interests and Australia's national interests."
Bite 2:&nbsp;(Serbian) Ana Brnabic, Serbian Prime Minister
"I think the decision (over Novak Djokovic's visa appeal) is scandalous.&nbsp;It is incredible to me how we have two totally opposed court decisions within just a few days."
After the 20-times grand slam champion was deported from Australia on Sunday, a light display covering a Belgrade tower proclaimed him the "pride of Serbia."

After the deportation of Novak Djokovic ahead of the Australian Open, ATP termed the Serbian's visa cancellation a regrettable series of events

After the deportation of Novak Djokovic ahead of the Australian Open, ATP termed the Serbian's visa cancellation a regrettable series of events.
The ATP statement further said that irrespective of how this point has been reached, Novak is one of our sport&rsquo;s greatest champions and his absence from the Australian Open is a loss for the game.
Meanwhile, Australia's home affairs minister has defended the handling of the Djokovic visa situation and said that the government acted in the country's national interests.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/others-sports/extremely-disappointed-vaccination-sceptic-djokovic-sent-back-from-australia-1642350097002" target="_blank">'Extremely disappointed': Vaccination sceptic Djokovic sent back from Australia</a>
Moreover, Serbian prime minister Ana Brnabic extended her support to the 34-year-old tennis star and argued that how there have been two totally opposed court decisions within just a few days.
After the 20-times grand slam champion was deported from Australia on Sunday, a light display covering a Belgrade tower proclaimed him the "pride of Serbia."

As the clamour continues for and against Tennis ace Novak Djokovic, Serbian President Aleksander Vucic has also voiced his support for the World no. 1's participation in the Australian Open. Vucic who spoke for the first time in Djoko's vaccination row said he was stunned by the Australian government's decision of revoking Djokovic's visa again. 
Using his ministerial discretion, Australia's immigration minister Alex Hawke had revoked Djoko's visa once again despite the Australian court granting him permission for participating in the Grand Slam event which is scheduled to begin on 17th January.   In response to his move, the president of Serbia said that the government was putting unreasonable attacks and pressure on the 34-year-old. He went on to add that using their governmental powers they had been continuously harassing and persecuting Djokoa and thereby the whole nation of Serbia. If the 9 time Australian Open who is eyeing his 21st Grand Slam fails in his Sunday's deportation appeal then his deportation will lead to a 3-year-ban from the country which means he will next play the Aus Open when he is 37. 

'Unreasonable attack': Serbian President questions Aus govt's decision of revoking Djokovic's visa again 

As the clamour continues for and against Tennis ace Novak Djokovic, Serbian President Aleksander Vucic has also voiced his support for the World no. 1's participation in the Australian Open.

If the 9 time Australian Open who is eyeing his 21st Grand Slam fails in his Sunday's deportation appeal then his deportation will lead to a 3-year-ban from the country which means he will next play the Aus&nbsp;Open when he is 37.

As the clamour continues for and against Tennis ace&nbsp;Novak&nbsp;Djokovic, Serbian President Aleksander Vucic&nbsp;has also voiced his support for the World no. 1's participation in the Australian Open. Vucic&nbsp;who spoke for the first time amid&nbsp;Djoko's&nbsp;vaccination row&nbsp;said he was stunned by the Australian government's decision of revoking his&nbsp;visa again. Also Read&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/sports-news/others-sports/australian-govt-detains-novak-djokovic-ahead-of-deportation-appeal-1642214244905">Australian govt detains Novak Djokovic ahead of deportation appeal&nbsp;</a>
Using the ministerial discretion, Australia's immigration minister Alex Hawke had revoked Djoko's&nbsp;visa once again despite the Australian court granting him permission for&nbsp;participating in the Grand Slam event which is scheduled to begin on 17th January.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Questioning the government's decision Vucic&nbsp;asked if they wanted to ban Djokovic from winning his 10th trophy in Melbourne, why didn't they send him back immediately? In response to his move, the president of Serbia said that the government was putting unreasonable attacks and pressure on the 34-year-old who has now been detained ahead of his court hearing against the deportation. He went on to add that using their governmental powers they had been continuously harassing&nbsp;and persecuting Djoko&nbsp;as well as the whole nation of Serbia.&nbsp; If the 9 time Australian Open who is eyeing his 21st Grand Slam fails in his Sunday's deportation appeal then his deportation will lead to a 3-year-ban from the country which means he will next play the Aus&nbsp;Open when he is 37.&nbsp;

The Afghan team of nine boxers, their coach, and a top federation official remained in Serbia after the World Boxing Championship finished in early November

Afghan boxers seek asylum in Serbia after running away from Taliban

Afghanistan's team of nine boxers, their coach, and a top federation official remained in Serbia after the World Boxing Championship finished in early November, saying they could face retribution from the Taliban if they returned home.

The team of nine boxers, their coach, and a top federation official remained in Serbia after the World Boxing Championship finished in early November, saying they could face retribution from the Taliban if they returned home.

They practiced in secrecy and sneaked out of Afghanistan to be able to compete in an international championship.
Now, the Afghan boxing team are seeking refuge in the West to be able to continue both their careers and lives without danger or fear.
The team of nine boxers, their coach and a top federation official remained in Serbia after the World Boxing Championship finished in early November, saying they could face retribution from the Taliban if they returned home.
The team have since contacted several foreign embassies, inquiring about humanitarian visas and protection.
While they have received negative responses by some of the European Union nations' representatives, they still hope for a positive outcome.
Tens of thousands of Afghans, including athletes, have fled the country since the US and other international troops pulled out in August and the Taliban took over.
Waheedullah Hameedi, the secretary-general of Afghanistan's boxing federation, says the Taliban do not approve of boxing and the team stand little chance of pursuing their careers freely in their home country.
After having participated in the Asia championship in Dubai in May, Hameedi was determined to take his team to Belgrade for the competition that started late October.
They registered as a Fair Chance Team, reserved for athletes who had to flee their countries or are unable to represent their own nations.
"We did very good performance," he says. "It is a big achievement for us."
Ahead of the trip, the boxers trained at secret locations and had to make sure nobody knew about their plan.
They managed to get visas for Iran first, before applying for Serbian visas at the embassy in Tehran, and heading on to Belgrade.
Though the Taliban have sought this time to portray themselves as more tolerant generally - as well as with regards to sports - than during their previous rule in 1996-2001, Hameedi insists that this is not the case in reality.
His father, who was the previous president of the Boxing Federation, was gunned down in 2019 by unknown assailants and his son believes the Taliban were behind the attack.
Though they are now in Serbia, Hameedi and the team have not applied for asylum in the Balkan nation.
While thousands of migrants and refugees come to Serbia every year after fleeing their home countries, most of them wish to continue toward wealthy countries of western Europe where it is easier to find jobs and make a living.
But Hameedi explains that their Serbian visas expired days ago and they need a secure country to take them in because they have been warned by friends and relatives not to go back to Afghanistan.
Attorney Marko Stambuk, who works with the Belgrade Centre for Human Rights, an organisation that provides legal advice regarding asylum procedures, says the Afghan boxers have contacted the institution and have been informed about their options in Serbia.
While waiting amid uncertainty, the boxers still managed to organise occasional practice sessions in local gyms.
After a training session this week, one of the boxers, Hasibullah Malikzadah, said he was afraid to go back home, and wanted desperately to continue his career freely somewhere else.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"I want to be good champion" and a role model for children around the world, the 20-year-old said.
"I really want this, I really have a good dream."

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