A Legend Has Passed: Živojin Inić, The Sports Journalist Who Changed The Game, Dies At 88
Živojin Inić was not just a journalist. He was an institution, a legend, and a pioneer of sports journalism in Subotica and beyond. On Tuesday, June 24th, the world lost one of its brightest pens – Inić passed away at the age of 88, with his funeral held among family and closest friends in Dudova Šuma.
From Osijek to Subotica – A Life Dedicated to Words and Sports
Born on September 29th in Osijek, Živojin moved to Subotica on Liberation Day, October 10th. He completed elementary school and the Moša Pijade Gymnasium in Subotica, dedicating his life to journalism. Though he tried many professions, his love for literature and well-crafted words led him to the media world.
He worked as a multi-decade journalist, editor, and host at Radio Subotica, and was a correspondent for numerous newspapers including Sports Journal, Dnevnik, Politika, Sport, Tempo, Zagreb’s Večernji list Vjesnik, and others. As the editor of the sports program at Radio Subotica, he made history in broadcasting as one of the first journalists to live broadcast entire boxing and volleyball matches.
Sports Worker and Director of Spartak
Inić was not just a journalist – he was also a sports worker. He served two terms as the director of the football club Spartak and proudly highlighted the honor bestowed upon him in Split in 1979 when he was the head of the international press center for the Mediterranean Games.
As a member of the Rotary Club Subotica, the Yugoslav Sports Journalists Association, and the Independent Journalists’ Society of Vojvodina, he left an indelible mark in professional circles.
The Tireless Optimist and Writer in His Eighties
Though his body began to fail, his spirit did not allow him to give up. At 87, as a father of three, grandfather of five, and great-grandfather of three, he embraced the challenge and wrote his last book, “Suton” (Dusk). His literary adventure proves that age is no barrier to creativity and that optimism is a youthful and unrestrained ego that keeps us alive.
Inić was a symbol of tireless spirit, a man who showed through his work and life that journalism is not just a job but a calling and an art.
Why Does Inić Matter to Us?
In an era when media often boils down to sensationalism and superficiality, Živojin Inić embodied professionalism, dedication, and love for sport and words. His death is a loss not only for Subotica but for the entire journalistic community and all who value the true worth of media.
If you ever listened to the sports program on Radio Subotica or read his articles, you know what we mean. Inić was the voice that conveyed emotions, passion, and the spirit of sport, and his legacy will live forever.
Is There Still Room for Such Legends in Journalism Today?
As the media world changes faster than ever, we ask – where are journalists like Živojin Inić today? Is it possible to bring back the time when words had weight and journalism was an art? Or is it all just a part of the past?
Share your thoughts, tell us your favorite sports stories or anecdotes related to the legendary Živojin Inić. Let his memory not fade but inspire us to cherish true values in the media world.
Živojin Inić – a name forever etched in golden letters in the history of sports journalism.
