Nikola Jokic returned to Serbia in time to watch his beloved horses race in his birthplace.

Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic returns to his Serbian hometown to watch his family’s horses compete | AP News

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

Thousands of fans flocked to the local horse racing track to witness Jokic’s family-owned horses compete in harness races.

Many others donned 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 next to galloping horses.

The Nikola Jokic mission: Inside the Nuggets’ undercover MVP trip to Serbia.

Jokic was apprehensive about returning home in time for Sunday’s races after attending the NBA championship party in Denver on Thursday. He joked that he’d ask Nuggets President Josh Kroenke to give him the team plane so he could be there on time.

Today was a fantastic day at the Sombor Hippodrome. The beer and BBQ kiosks were in full flow, as was the celebratory atmosphere, with people waiting in lengthy lines to participate.

Jokic arrived late to the track, trailed by local reporters. He was known for his calm and laconic personality, and he declined to speak with journalists when he arrived on the track.

He would periodically attend the grandstand, accompanied by relatives and friends, and watch each race in which his family’s stable competed before disappearing from view. He was with his wife, daughter, brother, father, and friends.

Nuggets’ amazing surprise for Nikola Jokic: A worthy homage to the most worldwide NBA of all time – Marca

When Jokic first emerged, the audience burst with excitement and ecstasy. He was wearing a polo shirt with the term “Dream Catcher” on it, the name of the first horse he bought years ago.