At age 22, Martin Dubovsky first showcased his talent on the international stage at the 2019 Beach ParaVolley World Series in Pingtan, China. Now, at 27, he returns to the spotlight competing in the 2024 WPV Beach ParaVolley Men’s World Championship with renewed vigour and a drive to win.
“Winning this match is a great feeling,” Dubovsky beamed with a lot of passion for the sport. “This match was easier than the last one, but we had to win because we lost the previous two on the first day. It feels amazing to come out on top this time.”
Reflecting on his participation in the 2019 series, he acknowledged the evolution of the Slovakian team. “Yes, I was part of that team. We have new players now, and it’s much better than in 2019.”
As the sport gains traction, there is a collective dream among the beach paravolley athletes to be included in the Paralympic Games. Dubovsky shared his thoughts on this aspiration. “I think it’s good for the discipline to be in the Paralympic Games. We would be happy to see it included at Brisbane 2032.”
Looking ahead to the future, Dubovsky is optimistic about the potential of the Slovakian team. “In eight years, with new players and hard training, our team will be much stronger.”
Dubovsky’s journey is not without its challenges. Balancing a professional career with rigorous training schedules is a common struggle for many athletes. “We don’t train as much now because of work,” he admits. “But later, we must train better and harder.”
By day, Dubovsky works as a sales manager, a role he juggles alongside his athletic pursuits. His love for volleyball started at a young age, influenced by his brother. “My brother played volleyball. When I was ten years old, he invited me to play, and I fell in love with the sport.”
The European beach paravolley scene is fiercely competitive, with strong teams from Poland, Slovenia, and Italy. Dubovsky acknowledged the high level of competition. “In Europe, there are many good teams. It’s tough, but it pushes us to improve.”
