site.bta Calisthenics World Championship Opens in Sofia

The Calisthenics World Championship began in Sofia on Friday. The opening ceremony was held at Asics Arena. Attending were Sofia Mayor Vassil Terziev, who opened the Championship, Sofia - European Capital of Sport Foundation head Dimitar Shalafov, Championship Organization Committee head Tsvetan Georgiev, Bulgarian Gymnastics Federation President Krasimir Dunev and General Secretary Jordan Jovtchev.

In his speech, Jovtchev said that this is the first time Bulgaria hosts a world championship in calisthenics. Athletes from more than 60 countries from all continents participate in the event. There are over 300 participants in the different disciplines, he noted. "There are many people practicing this sport. We hope that by holding this event we will encourage the youth to recognize themselves through this sport and to engage in it,"Jovtchev said.

Bulgaria is represented by 20 athletes at the World Championship. Jovtchev expressed the hope for two medals in the men's and women's divisions, hopefully gold.

According to the schedule, the qualifications in the individual disciplines are on Friday and the finals are on Saturday and Sunday.