site.btaBulgarian Judokas Win Four Medals on Opening Day of Sofia European Open 2026

Bulgarian judokas won four medals, one gold, one silver, and two bronze, on the opening day of the Sofia European Open 2026, held at Arena 8888. Bulgaria hosts the first tournament on the international judo calendar for 2026. The competition awards world ranking points. The first medallists were decided on January 31, with the remaining medals to be awarded on Sunday, February 1.

In the men’s 73 kg category, Victor Skerlev won the gold medal, defeating Ethan Nairne (Great Britain) by yuko in the decisive bout.

In the 66 kg division, Boyan Yotov finished just short of the title. He was defeated in the final by Italy’s Angelo Pantano, winning the silver medal.

Yoana Manova and Irina Zhelezarska secured the two bronze medals for Bulgaria. In the women’s 63 kg bronze medal match, Manova defeated Agata Szafran (Poland). Zhelezarska won in the 78 kg category, overcoming Kinga Wolszczak (Poland).

The competition was officially opened on Saturday by Deputy Youth and Sports Minister Petar Mladenov. Addresses to the participants were delivered by Bulgarian Judo Federation President Rumen Stoilov and European Judo Union President Laszlo Toth (Hungary).

The competition continues on Sunday with bouts in the remaining weight categories.