site.btaBulgarian Parliament Honours U19 Volleyball World Champions for Historic Victory

“Today is one of the most joyful days, not just of this parliamentary term, but of my life,” said National Assembly Chair Nataliya Kiselova as she welcomed Bulgaria’s U19 women’s volleyball world champions to Parliament on Wednesday.

On Sunday, Bulgaria became the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Girls’ U19 World Champions after defeating the defending champions, the USA, by 3-1 (21:25, 25:16, 25:17, 29:27) in the final at the Gradski Vrt Hall in Osijek, Croatia, on Sunday.

"This is the future of Bulgaria," Kisielova said, emphasizing that the team proved what can be achieved when people work together. "They showed that when we play as a team, we can reach the very top. Our hope is that they continue to inspire, to stay healthy, and to prove to the world that when we are united, we can truly be the best," she added, wishing the athletes success in their future competitions.

This is the first time in history that a Bulgarian women’s team in any team sport has won a world championship title.

Addressing the event, Bulgarian Volleyball Federation President Lyubomir Ganev expressed his pride: "It is a tremendous honour to be here today, not just because of the title these girls earned, but because for the first time a women’s team has brought home a world championship. When Bulgarian sport wins, we all feel more Bulgarian. We feel proud of what we do."

Ganev also made an appeal to lawmakers: "If possible, please consider allocating more funding for sports. Success in sport is one of the rare occasions that unite us all, and I witnessed today, perhaps for the first time, how all MPs applauded together. Let this be a sign of more unity going forward."

As a token of appreciation, the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation presented Parliament Chair Kiselova with a signed volleyball from the champions. The team also received an honorary plaquette of the National Assembly, along with warm applause and floral bouquets. The Federation was awarded a commemorative plaque marking 145 years since the establishment of the National Assembly of Bulgaria.