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

Less than a week after leading the Denver Nuggets to their first NBA championship, Jokic went to his hometown of Sombor on Sunday to pursue his love of horse racing.

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

Many more wore T-shirts with Jokic’s photo, with some reading “Be the Next Champion” and “Sombor, the Town of Champions.”A billboard with the words “Welcome Home MVP” displayed Jokic wearing his No. 15 Nuggets jersey next to galloping horses.

Jokic was concerned about reaching 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 can there on time.

This was an excellent day at the Sombor Hippodrome. Beer and BBQ kiosks were in full swing, as was the festive atmosphere, with people standing in long lines to participate.

Jokic arrived late at the track, followed by local reporters. He was known for his quiet and laconic demeanor, and he declined to talk with journalists when he entered the track.

He would occasionally enter the grandstand, accompanied by relatives and friends, and witness every race in which his family’s stable raced before disappearing from view. He was accompanying his wife, daughter, brother, father, and friends.

When Jokic initially appeared, the audience erupted in delight and ecstasy. He was dressed in a polo shirt with the word “Dream Catcher” on it, which was the name of the first horse he purchased years ago.

His father, Branislav, claimed that Jokic would not answer media questions.

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

Jokic developed a strong interest in horses and horse racing during his boyhood, which almost took 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 winning the Finals MVP trophy.

Jokic, fondly known as the Joker by his fans, 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 the same postseason.