The crowd also welcomed world champions in kayak and canoe Eva Terčelj and Nejc Žnidarčič, as well as Luka Božič, who secured bronze at the Canoe Slalom World Championships in Spain.

The other focus was on bicycle riders, chiefly Vuelta winner Primož Roglič and third-placed Tadej Pogačar.

"Thank you Ljubljana, thank you Slovenia. You're the best fans in the world. You proved it at Stožice Arena and in Paris. Every one of you deserves a silver medal," said setter Dejan Vinčić in reference to Slovenian fans cheering endlessly for their volleyball team at the European Championship.

"On the wings of your cheering we defeated the European and world champions, said captain Tine Urnaut.

If the final between Slovenia and Serbia had been played at Ljubljana's Stožice rather than in Paris, "I'm sure we would be celebrating gold now", he said.

Equally happy with Slovenian fans' cheering were Roglič and Pogačar. Roglič thanked all who had came to Congress Square, saying "I didn't expect so many people to turn up, I feel some butterflies in my belly."

"You're incredible.... This is the best award for all our efforts. Every athlete wishes to get such a magnificent reception at least once in their lifetime," he said.