EPISODE 8 – COUNTRY SPOTLIGHT: CROATIA, SLOVAKIA, HUNGARY & SLOVENIA

From the Adriatic coast to Central Europe’s hidden gems – Pickleball is thriving across a region bursting with energy, community, and creativity!In this eighth episode of Pickleball Passport – powered by RAQT.com, we hand the mic to four inspiring voices who are shaping the game in Croatia, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia.How do you start a pickleball scene from scratch?What makes night sessions on the Croatian coast so special? And how are new players turning passion into national movements across Central Europe?WHAT YOU’LL HEAR IN EPISODE 8 // ✅ How Croatia built Europe’s largest pickleball club – from 20 players to 1,500 members✅ Why Slovakia’s all-female leadership is redefining community & creativity (with a side of wine!)✅ How Hungary’s federation and tournaments are paving the way for pros – including the Santa Claus Cup ✅ How two sisters are building Slovenia’s pickleball future – courts, clinics & community vibes near Lake Bled✅ A shared vision: grassroots passion fueling Europe’s next pickleball waveTIME STAMPS // (00:00)–(02:40) – Intro & Episode Flight Plan(02:41)–(08:57) – Croatia Spotlight with Natko Petresic(10:26)–(19:13) – Slovakia Spotlight with Viktoria Kanichova(20:16)–(31:45) – Hungary Spotlight with Bakó Bálint Gergő(31:46)-(end) Wrap-Up & LandingPLAYERS LOUNGE VOICES & GUESTS //Special thanks to the voices who helped bring this episode to life:Natko Petresic (Croatia) – Instagram: @natko.petrisic / Club: pickleball-002.hr/splitViktoria Kanichova (Slovakia) – Instagram: @viki_kanich / Web: slovakpickleball.comBálint Gergő Bakó (Hungary) – Instagram: @bakobalint_pb / @pickleball.hungary Thea & Sandra (Slovenia) – Instagram: @tspickleball / Web:  tspickleball.si ABOUT RAQT //RAQT.com is your court companion for all things pickleball in Europe: From club events to international opens, and now with the RAQT app to track and join tournaments all year round.Download the RAQT app – available in the Apple App Store & Google Play Store.Plan. Play. Compete.GET IN TOUCH //Feedback? Want to be featured in the Players Lounge or just want to send some love to the cabin crew Steffie & Moritz? Email us at: [email protected] or send us a DM on Instagram @Pickleball_Passport_Podcast or @raqtfamily