Nikola Jokic returned to Serbia in time to witness his favorite horses run in his birthplace.

Less than a week after guiding the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA title, Jokic returned to his hometown of Sombor on Sunday to pursue his passion for horse racing.

Thousands of his followers gathered at the local horse racing track to witness Jokic’s family-owned horses compete in harness races. Many others wore T-shirts featuring Jokic’s photo, with some proclaiming “Be the Next Champion” and “Sombor, the Town of Champions.”

A billboard reading “Welcome Home MVP” featured Jokic wearing his No. 15 Nuggets jersey beside galloping horses.

After the NBA championship celebration in Denver on Thursday, Jokic was nervous about returning home in time for Sunday’s races. He joked that he’d ask Nuggets president Josh Kroenke to give him the team plane to ensure his arrival on time.

This was a great day at the Sombor Hippodrome. Beer and BBQ stalls were in full flow, as was the joyous atmosphere, with people waiting in lengthy queues to participate.

Jokic came late at the track, trailed by local reporters. He was notoriously reserved and laconic, and he declined to speak with journalists as he entered the racetrack.

He came in the stands from time to time, surrounded by relatives and friends, and watched every race in which his family’s stable competed before disappearing from sight. He was with his wife, daughter, brother, father, and friends.

When Jokic first emerged, the crowd burst in excitement and joy. He was wearing a polo shirt with the “Dream Catcher” inscription, which was the name of the first horse he bought years ago.

His father, Branislav, stated that Jokic would not be addressing questions from media.

“He told me, ‘Dad, I’ve had enough publicity in the last few days,'” Branislav Jokic recalled. “And I believe him.”

Jokic acquired a deep affinity for horses and horse racing in his adolescence, which nearly led him away from basketball, according to his father.

Denver won the NBA championship on Monday, defeating the Miami Heat 94-89, with Jokic scoring 28 points and 16 rebounds and receiving the trophy for most valuable player in the Finals.

Jokic, affectionately known as the Joker by his supporters, is coming off a historic playoff performance in which he became the first player to lead the league in overall points (600), rebounds (269), and assists (190) in a single postseason.