https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/rss Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:40:32 +0300 en hourly 1 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1114226-bulgaria-wraps-up-european-wrestling-championships-in-tirana-with-ahmed-bataev-s https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1114226-bulgaria-wraps-up-european-wrestling-championships-in-tirana-with-ahmed-bataev-s Sun, 26 Apr 2026 21:26:43 +0300 Bulgaria concluded its participation at the European Wrestling Championships in Tirana with a silver medal for Ahmed Bataev, who lost 3-5 to Azerbaijan’s Ali Tcokaev in the final of the 92 kg freestyle category. The national team finished the tournament with a total of six medals, including gold for Kiril Milov in the 97 kg Greco-Roman category, silver medals for Bataev and Semen Novikov, as well as three bronze medals. Bataev defeated world silver medallist Amanula Gadzhimagomedov in the semifinals, scoring two points in the final second to win 3-2. The final was nearly as closely contested. The Bulgarian wrestler defended an early attack from Tcokaev and forced him out of bounds for a point, but was immediately penalized for passivity. As the clock ran down, he lost an additional point tied to the warning, allowing Tcokaev to take a 2-1 lead, followed by further scoring that forced Bataev to attack again in the final minute. Bataev managed to score two points against Tcokaev to narrow the gap to one, but was unable to launch another successful attack in the remaining seconds. This secured the Azerbaijani wrestler his first senior European title after he became U23 European champion in 2024 and finished third in 2025. Sport BTA special correspondent Ivaylo Georgiev Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1114119-bulgaria-s-sasha-vezenkov-named-euroleague-mvp-for-second-time-in-his-career https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1114119-bulgaria-s-sasha-vezenkov-named-euroleague-mvp-for-second-time-in-his-career Sun, 26 Apr 2026 16:28:39 +0300 Bulgarian basketball player Aleksandar "Sasha" Vezenkov is the recipient of the 2025-2026 EuroLeague Most Valuable Player award. He earned the league’s top individual honour after leading Olympiacos Piraeus to the best regular‑season record and delivering one of the most complete campaigns of his career. The award, determined by votes from EuroLeague team captains and head coaches (35% each), accredited media (20%) and fans (10%), placed 30-year-old Vezenkov ahead of Zalgiris Kaunas guard Sylvain Francisco, who came second, and Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv’s Elijah Bryant, who finished in third position. This marks Vezenkov’s second MVP honour as he also won the award in 2022-2023, making him just the second player to claim it twice, joining Anthony Parker, who won in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. The Bulgarian led the league in scoring with 19.4 points per game, topped the PIR rankings at 23.1, finished fifth in rebounds (6.6 rpg.), and ranked third in two‑point field goals made (4.9). Vezenkov scored in double figures in 33 of his 34 appearances and reached 20 points or more 19 times. He recorded four double‑doubles and anchored Olympiacos’ 26-12 finish – the club’s third time topping the regular‑season standings in the last four years. January was the stretch that crystallized his MVP case, according to EuroLeague. Vezenkov averaged 23.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and a PIR of 29.0 as Olympiacos went 6-1, earning him the EuroLeague MVP of the Month award. He collected three MVP of the Round awards – in Round 3 against Dubai Basketball (PIR of 34), Round 5 against Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv (31), and Round 21 against FC Bayern Munich (35) – and posted a PIR of 30 or higher eight times. Between Rounds 20 and 23, he became the first player since 2000-2001 to record a PIR of 32 or more in four consecutive games. The Bulgarian also earned a place on the All‑EuroLeague First Team for the fourth time in his career, matching Dimitris Diamantidis and trailing only Juan Carlos Navarro, who made the first team five times. He becomes the third Olympiacos player to win the EuroLeague MVP, joining Milos Teodosic (2009-2010) and Vassilis Spanoulis (2012-2013). Sport Iva Krasteva Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113982-taekwondo-national-team-wins-three-golds-at-british-open-kyorugi-2026 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113982-taekwondo-national-team-wins-three-golds-at-british-open-kyorugi-2026 Sun, 26 Apr 2026 09:42:00 +0300 The Men’s and Women’s National Taekwondo Team won three gold medals at the British Open Kyorugi 2026 in Manchester on Sunday, with Hristiyan Georgiev, Stefan Stamenov and Alexandra Georgieva taking the titles. The team, currently in a training camp in Manchester, competed at the British Open. Three of the six Bulgarian athletes training there entered the event and swept three gold medals. In the men’s 54 kg division, top-ranked Hristiyan Georgiev opened with a 2-0 win over an Italian opponent. He then defeated a Saudi competitor before beating an Indonesian athlete in the semi-finals. In the final, Georgiev showed his class, overcoming a Spanish opponent to claim a gold medal. In the men’s 74 kg division, Stefan Stamenov won four straight bouts. He defeated opponents from the United States, Denmark and Great Britain, then beat another Danish competitor in the final to take gold. In the final team standings, Bulgaria finished third, behind champion Great Britain and runner-up United States. In the women’s 49 kg division, Alexandra Georgieva claimed gold after convincing wins over opponents from Morocco, the United States and Poland. Sport Kaloyan Kirilov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113775-sofia-s-vazrazhdane-district-organizes-family-cycling-event-inspired-by-giro-d-i https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113775-sofia-s-vazrazhdane-district-organizes-family-cycling-event-inspired-by-giro-d-i Sat, 25 Apr 2026 13:47:00 +0300 Sofia’s Vazrazhdane District has organized a family cycling event titled “Mom, Dad, and I at the Giro.” It is inspired by the Giro d’Italia, the world’s largest cycling race, which Bulgaria is set to host, Petar Mladenov, Deputy Mayor of the District, said. Held under the auspices of District Mayor Stanislav Iliev, the event marks the first family bike ride of its kind in the area, with a route from St Nicholas Park to Vazrazhdane Park. The initiative promotes active living and safe cycling among children in Sofia. The organizers noted that it is not a speed competition but an event focused on safety and shared enjoyment. “We are delighted to have many partners - some of Bulgaria’s most prominent athletes,” Mladenov said, naming boxer Stanimira Petrova, tennis player Sesil Karatantcheva, combat sambo practitioners Kamen Georgiev, Rosen Dimitrov and Rumen Dimitrov, and wrestler Daniel Aleksandrov. Partners of the event include the Human Resource Development Centre, BILLA, Ramus Laboratory, and Mall of Sofia. Sport Sofia Gospodinova Yoana Novakova Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113691-ukraine-dominates-women-s-wrestling-in-tirana-with-three-more-titles-bulgaria-a https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113691-ukraine-dominates-women-s-wrestling-in-tirana-with-three-more-titles-bulgaria-a Sat, 25 Apr 2026 09:57:54 +0300 Ukraine has cemented its dominance in the women’s division at the European Wrestling Championships in Tirana, claiming three more titles to finish with a total of six and a commanding lead in the medal standings. Ukraine’s six gold medals put it four ahead of Turkiye, Azerbaijan, and the team of neutral athletes from Russia and Belarus. Bulgaria shares sixth place with Romania, each with one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. The final day began with a title for 20-year-old Maria Efremova, who defeated Maria Prevolaraki 2–1 in the 53 kg final. Bronze medals went to Russia's Natalia Malysheva and Germany's Annika Wendle. Ukraine’s second gold of the day came as Iryna Koliadenko defeated neutral athlete Alina Kasabieva 9–0 in the 65 kg final—her fourth European title. Bronze in that category went to Poland's Natalia Kubaty and Turkiye's Beyza Akkus. In the last bout of the day, Nadiia Sokolovska secured Ukraine’s sixth gold with a 5–3 victory over Poland's Wiktoria Choluj in the 72 kg final. Bronze medals were claimed by Russia's Kristina Bratchikova and Turkiye's Buse Tosun. Earlier on Friday, Bulgaria earned its fourth medal of the tournament thanks to Bilyana Dudova, who defeated Sweden's Johanna Lindborg 3–1 in the 62 kg bronze medal bout. Germany's Naemi Leistner took silver, while Grace Bullen won the title after pinning Amina Tandelova - bringing Norway its first medal of the championships in Tirana. Magdalena Liszewska defeated Turkiye's Elvira Suleyman 5–1 to secure Poland’s first gold medal. Poland finished fourth overall with one gold, two silver, and one bronze. The team is coached by Petar Kasabov. Bronze medals in the 57 kg category went to Azerbaijan's Zhala Aliyeva and Ukraine's Solomiia Vynnyk.  Sport BTA special correspondent Ivaylo Georgiev Yoana Vodenicharova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113614-bilyana-dudova-wins-bronze-at-2026-european-wrestling-championships https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113614-bilyana-dudova-wins-bronze-at-2026-european-wrestling-championships Fri, 24 Apr 2026 21:59:00 +0300 Bilyana Dudova won a fourth medal for Bulgaria at the 2026 European Wrestling Championships in Tirana, defeating Sweden’s Sara Johanna Lindborg in the bronze medal bout. The Bulgarian national team now has one gold, one silver and two bronze medals from the competition. The match against Lindborg was highly tense. In the first period, Dudova was awarded a point due to Lindborg’s passivity. In the second, the Bulgarian was penalized, levelling the score and giving the Swede the advantage on last-point criterion. Dudova had a minute and a half to attack and managed to take Lindborg down to the mat for two more points. The Bulgarian wrestler thus won 3-1 and stepped onto the podium. This was Dudova’s eighth medal at European Championships, following her titles in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2021, silver in 2020, and bronze medals in 2023 and 2025. She was also the 2021 world champion in the 59 kg category. Sport Momchil Rusev BTA special correspondent Ivaylo Georgiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113438-karlos-nasar-wins-fourth-european-weightlifting-title https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113438-karlos-nasar-wins-fourth-european-weightlifting-title Fri, 24 Apr 2026 17:35:57 +0300 Bulgarian weightlifter Karlos Nasar claimed his fourth European title, triumphing in the men’s 94 kg weight class at the European Championships in Batumi with a total of 386 kg. Nasar took the lead early in the snatch with a lift of 176 kg and followed it up with 210 kg in the clean and jerk. His results were the best in both disciplines, securing him a dominant overall victory. Armenia’s Ara Aganyan finished second with a total of 381 kg, while France’s Romain Imadouchene took bronze with 370 kg. Nasar sealed the gold medal in the snatch with a successful lift of 176 kg after opening at 170 kg. In his final attempt, he went for a world record at 183 kg but was unable to complete the lift. In the clean and jerk, Nasar initially lifted 210 kg on his first attempt, but the judges did not validate it after review. He then successfully lifted the same weight on his second attempt. For his final lift, Nasar attempted 223 kg, aiming for a world record total, but was unable to complete it. Sport Konstantin Karagyozov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113287-atanas-bostandjiev-becomes-new-pfc-levski-sofia-owner https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113287-atanas-bostandjiev-becomes-new-pfc-levski-sofia-owner Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:58:00 +0300 Bulgarian businessman Atanas Bostandjiev has become the new owner of PFC Levski Sofia, the club's outgoing majority shareholder, Nasko Sirakov, announced on Friday. Sirakov will remain club president but will no longer hold shares. Sirakov said he was stepping down after stabilizing the club during a critical period, ensuring its survival and preserving its identity. He stressed the need for continuity in leadership as key to Levski’s future. Bostandjiev said his goal is to preserve Levski’s identity and independence while delivering sustainable success both on the field and in club operations, adding that he is pleased Sirakov will remain president. A central element of Levski’s new future plan is the new Georgi Asparuhov Stadium project. Levski and the architectural and engineering firm IPA unveiled the concept, with a total investment estimated at EUR 120 million. The stadium will have a capacity of 24,718 seats under Bulgarian Football Union requirements and 23,032 under UEFA standards. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2027. The stadium is designed as a multifunctional complex capable of hosting major events, including concerts for up to 40,000 people, alongside improved park areas and public spaces. IPA has over 20 years of experience and more than 50 architectural awards. Atanas Bostandjiev is the founder and CEO of Gemcorp Capital, established in 2014, which focuses on emerging markets through a disciplined, locally informed investment approach. Before that, he was CEO of VTB Capital in the UK and a partner at Goldman Sachs in London, co-heading the emerging markets business across Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He began his career at Merrill Lynch in Frankfurt in 1998. Born in Bulgaria, Bostandjiev studied abroad after the Fall of the Berlin Wall, an experience that shaped his global outlook and commitment to emerging economies. He also founded the Chance for Children and Nature of Bulgaria foundation, which supports talented young people nationwide. Sport BTA Intern Theodora Lubenova Atanas Vasilev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113343-nessebar-municipality-prepares-concerts-sports-events-during-giro-d-italia https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113343-nessebar-municipality-prepares-concerts-sports-events-during-giro-d-italia Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:39:13 +0300 Nessebar Municipality is preparing a programme of concerts and sports events for the upcoming start of the Giro d'Italia 2026 on May 8, said the municipality's press centre on Friday. The accompanying programme will begin on May 7 with a bazaar on Mesambria Square and an amateur cycling tour of the seaside town from 10 a.m. In the evening the programme will continue with a performance by the groups at the Yana Laskova National Community Centre and a concert by the trio VIVA and the rock group B.T.R. in front of the fortress walls of the Old Town. After the concert, the municipality is also preparing a fireworks display. On May 8, when the Giro d’Italia starts, the municipality will organize a cross-country race along the race route as well. Sport Filip Pavlov BTA correspondent Stanimir Dimitrov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113062-preparations-for-grande-partenza-event-of-109th-giro-d-italia-hosted-by-bulgaria https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1113062-preparations-for-grande-partenza-event-of-109th-giro-d-italia-hosted-by-bulgaria Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:13:00 +0300 Caretaker Minister of Youth and Sports Dimitar Iliev held an online working meeting with representatives of the institutions responsible for organizing Bulgaria's hosting of the first three stages of the 2026 Giro d'Italia cycling race. Current progress on the organization, coordination among the involved institutions, and upcoming key activities were on the agenda, the Ministry of Sports reported on Friday. Iliev reviewed the readiness of the parties involved, with the importance of good inter-institutional coordination for the successful staging of the event being emphasized. He said: "I thank everyone for their commitment and the work done so far. Preparing and hosting an event of this scale is a serious challenge, but with the joint efforts of all institutions, we are moving forward with confidence. We will continue to work in full coordination to ensure the successful hosting of the competition." The participants confirmed that preparations are proceeding according to the pre-established plan, with the necessary steps being taken to ensure security, logistics, and overall organization. Measures relating to the safety of participants and spectators, as well as the optimal conduct of the competition, were also discussed. The competition will officially kick off in Nessebar, on the Black Sea, on May 8. The race will also go through Burgas, Veliko Tarnovo, Plovdiv, and will finish in Sofia on May 10. BTA has launched a new section, "Giro d'Italia 2026 - Cycling in Bulgaria", dedicated to Bulgaria hosting three stages of the race, which will pass through the country from May 8 to 10, 2026. Sport Nikolay Zabov Dimitar Velyov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1112950-plovdiv-crafts-three-metre-replica-of-giro-d-italia-trophy-for-third-stage-of-ra https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1112950-plovdiv-crafts-three-metre-replica-of-giro-d-italia-trophy-for-third-stage-of-ra Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:24:42 +0300 A three-metre replica of the Giro d'Italia trophy is being made in Plovdiv for the third stage of the race. The steel installation will be placed at the roundabout on Maritsa-Yug Blvd near the Water Palace, along the route of the cycling tour, Plovdiv 2019 Foundation Executive Director Kiril Velchev told BTA.  The trophy is being produced by the company of artists Nedyalka Mitkova and Dimitar Mitkov. The family described the task as a challenge because of the cup's highly complex, distinctive and recognizable shape. Known as the "Trofeo Senza Fine" (Endless Trophy), it is designed as a spiral ribbon rising upward and narrowing in the middle, resembling an hourglass. "It is a great honour and a huge responsibility for us to be part of this event and to create this trophy, which will remain in history," Nedyalka said. The team chose stainless steel so the installation would withstand time and weather. The material also allows for the polished effect seen inside the original trophy, while a delicate shiny edge has also been recreated on the outside. Once completed, the cup will be toned in its original bronze colour. The total height of the installation will be 4.5 metres, including a metal pedestal engraved with the year the Giro passed through the city and the Plovdiv logo. The entire structure will weigh about 1.5 tonnes. Spotlights will be installed at the base to illuminate the trophy at night. BTA has launched a new section, "Giro d'Italia 2026 - Cycling in Bulgaria", dedicated to Bulgaria hosting three stages of the race, which will pass through the country from May 8 to 10, 2026. Sport Yoanna Vodenova BTA correspondent Irina Shopova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1112279-burgas-municipality-launches-information-portal-for-giro-d-italia https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1112279-burgas-municipality-launches-information-portal-for-giro-d-italia Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:55:08 +0300 Burgas Municipality has launched a specialized information portal, which provides complete information about the city and the hosting of the first stage of the Giro d'Italia 2026, the municipal administration said on Thursday. Burgas will host the final of the first stage of the race, which starts on May 8.  "This competition is a unique chance for Burgas and the region to present itself to millions of viewers around the world. We call on all our hotels, restaurants and tourism businesses to actively participate. The more prepared and visible we are together, the stronger the effect will be for our city," Burgas Mayor Dimitar Nikolov emphasized. The new platform has been created as a single point of access for up-to-date information on everything around the Giro D'Italia through Burgas. The portal is aimed simultaneously at local residents, foreign guests, journalists and the tourism industry. It will continue to function after the end of the event as a long-term tourism resource for the region, the local administration specified. Sport Filip Pavlov BTA correspondent Stanimir Dimitrov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1112445-sports-minister-recognizes-mariana-uzunova-and-kaloyan-petrov-for-european-tramp https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1112445-sports-minister-recognizes-mariana-uzunova-and-kaloyan-petrov-for-european-tramp Thu, 23 Apr 2026 17:03:04 +0300 Youth and Sports Minister Dimitar Iliev recognized Bulgarian athletes Mariyana Uzunova and Kaloyan Petrov for their performance at the European Trampoline Championships in Portimao, Portugal, the Ministry said here on Thursday.  The athletes won a total of two bronze medals at the continental championship. In the individual event in the under-21 age group, Uzunova claimed third place after receiving a score of 51.580 points for her performance in the final. In the same age group in the men’s competition, Petrov finished seventh after making a mistake that cost him a place on the podium. Uzunova and Petrov also secured a medal in the mixed synchronized event. The judges awarded their routine 46.180 points, placing them third.  “I congratulate you on your excellent performance at the European Championships in Portugal. Yours is a sport in which even a small mistake can cost a lot. You are young and the future is ahead of you. Continue working in the same way, pursue your dreams and, above all, believe in yourselves. I am convinced that your greatest successes are still to come,” Iliev said.  Coach Stanislav Stoyanov was also presented with an honorary plaque.  Sport Tatiana Marinova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1112361-grigor-dimitrov-and-stefanos-tsitsipas-will-play-exhibition-match-in-sofia-on-ju https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1112361-grigor-dimitrov-and-stefanos-tsitsipas-will-play-exhibition-match-in-sofia-on-ju Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:32:00 +0300 The best Bulgarian tennis player Grigor Dimitrov and former World No.3 Stefanos Tsitsipas will play an exhibition match on June 12 in Sofia, the organizers from Postbank said. The Postbank Tennis Gala match between the two former world No. 3 players will take place at Arena 8888 Sofia and will be held under the auspices of President Iliana Iotova. The match will be broadcast live on bTV. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the Grigor Dimitrov Foundation and directed toward initiatives supporting the development of children and young talents. “A large-scale light show and an atmosphere of sporting spirit will turn the Postbank Tennis Gala into one of the most memorable international sporting events of the year,” the organizers said. The sale of a limited number of tickets will begin on May 4 through the Eventim network. The 27-year-old Stefanos Tsitsipas has 12 singles titles in his career on the ATP Tour. He has been a finalist in two Grand Slam tournaments - the French Open in Paris in 2021 and the Australian Open in Melbourne in 2023. The 34-year-old Grigor Dimitrov is the champion of the ATP Finals in 2017 and has nine singles titles in his career. The two have faced each other a total of eight times on the professional circuit, with Tsitsipas leading 6–2 in wins. However, in their most recent meeting at the Paris Masters in November 2023, Dimitrov triumphed 6–3, 6–7(1), 7–6(3) to reach the final, which he later lost to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic 4–6, 3–6. Sport Dimitar Velyov Petya Petrova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1112117-kostenets-municipality-prepares-to-host-third-stage-of-giro-d-italia-in-bulgaria https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1112117-kostenets-municipality-prepares-to-host-third-stage-of-giro-d-italia-in-bulgaria Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:14:00 +0300 Kostenets Municipality will host part of the third stage of Giro D'Italia in Bulgaria, the municipal press centre said on Thursday. To ensure safety, the route from Belovo through Pazara to the exit for Dolna Banya will be fully closed to traffic three hours before the cyclists pass. Local businesses and hotels have been notified, and all repair work along the route must be completed by April 30, the Municipality pointed out. A special stage will be set up as well, where residents and visitors are invited to enjoy a festive programme and support the athletes. "Hosting a Giro stage is comparable in prestige to a Formula 1 round and will showcase Bulgaria to millions of viewers in over 100 countries", the Municipality emphasized, adding that drivers are asked for patience, as the temporary restrictions bring lasting benefits for tourism and the country’s image. Sport Filip Pavlov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1111959-bulgarian-greco-roman-wrestlers-finish-sixth-in-medals-table-at-tirana-european- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1111959-bulgarian-greco-roman-wrestlers-finish-sixth-in-medals-table-at-tirana-european- Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:54:57 +0300 Bulgarian Greco-Roman wrestlers finished sixth in the medals table at the European Championships in Tirana after winning three distinctions: gold for Kiril Milov, silver for Semen Novikov and bronze for Stefan Georgiev. They collected 80 points, while the team champion was Azerbaijan with 133. Next came Turkiye with 121 points, Georgia with 118, Armenia with 112 and Ukraine with one point more than Bulgaria. The 2026 European Wrestling Championships in the Albanian capital continue until April 26 with women's freestyle and men's freestyle events. The leadership of the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation (BWF) said it sent its "sincerest congratulations" to the national Greco-Roman wrestling team for their performance at the European Championships in Tirana. The BWF wrote: "With special pride, we congratulate the European champion Kiril Milov, who triumphed with the gold medal in the 97 kg category after an impressive victory in the final. His success is a well-deserved result of consistency, class and strong competitive spirit. Our other medallists also deserve admiration – Semen Novikov, who won silver in the 87 kg category, and Stefan Grigorov, who claimed bronze in the 55 kg category. Their achievements help cement Bulgaria's position among the leading forces in European wrestling." Sport Valentin Evstatiev BTA special correspondent Ivaylo Georgiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1111883-kiril-milov-wins-bulgaria-s-first-gold-at-european-wrestling-championships https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1111883-kiril-milov-wins-bulgaria-s-first-gold-at-european-wrestling-championships Wed, 22 Apr 2026 22:05:09 +0300 Kiril Milov won Bulgaria’s first title at the European Wrestling Championships in Tirana on Wednesday, defeating Alex Szoke 3-1 in the final bout of the Greco-Roman 97 kg category. This is Bulgaria’s first gold medal of the tournament. Earlier, Semen Novikov won silver in the 87 kg division, while Stefan Grigorov took bronze at 55 kg. For Milov, this is his third European title after Budapest 2022 and Bratislava 2025. He is also a two-time world silver medalist from Budapest 2018 and Belgrade 2022. Earlier on Wednesday, Abu Muslim Amaev and Svetoslav Nikolov lost their repechage matches. Bulgaria’s first three female competitors, Viktoria Boynova, Daniela Brasnarova and Vanesa Georgieva, were also defeated and eliminated. On Thursday, Olga Popova (57 kg) and Bilyana Dudova (62 kg) are set to enter the competition. Sport Tatiana Marinova BTA special correspondent Ivaylo Georgiev https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1111483-ancient-theatre-in-plovdiv-to-host-concert-before-start-of-giro-d-italia-on-may- https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1111483-ancient-theatre-in-plovdiv-to-host-concert-before-start-of-giro-d-italia-on-may- Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:09:58 +0300 The Ancient Theatre in Plovdiv will host a concert featuring performers Fondatsiata (The Foundation), Zvezdi from Ahat, Nasko from B.T.R., and Valdi Totev from Shturcite on May 10 at 12:00 p.m. The concert will kick off the the Giro d'Italia, said Kiril Velchev, Executive Director of the Plovdiv 2019 Foundation, in a statement to BTA on Wednesday. The official start of the world-renowned cycling race will take place at 1:15 p.m. at Central Square. An hour before the race, a procession featuring cultural figures from the city will take place as well. Following the race's start, the cycling season in Plovdiv will officially open. A retro bicycle exhibition is also being prepared, which will be displayed at Central Square, Velchev added. Additionally, the main street from the square to the Plovdiv Municipality building will be adorned with pink umbrellas, and discussions are underway to install a light installation at the Stadium of Philippopolis. "The Giro d'Italia through Plovdiv is a major opportunity for us, as the race is broadcast live and watched by over 600 million viewers worldwide," Velchev emphasized. He also noted that accommodation in the city is nearly sold out due to high public demand. Sport Filip Pavlov BTA correspondent Irina Shopova https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1111454-karlos-nasar-wins-ewf-aips-europe-weightlifter-of-year-award-again https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1111454-karlos-nasar-wins-ewf-aips-europe-weightlifter-of-year-award-again Wed, 22 Apr 2026 14:46:27 +0300 Karlos Nasar won the EWF – AIPS Europe Weightlifter of the Year award, presented by the European Weightlifting Federation (EWF) and the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Europe. He received the award at a ceremony in Batumi, Georgia, where the 2026 European Weightlifting Championships is being held form April 19 to 26. The Bulgarian received the honour for his performance in 2025, when he became European champion in Chisinau, Moldova, and world champion in Fjord, Norway.  For the 21-year-old Nasar, this is his second consecutive award for best weightlifter in Europe. In 2024, he became world and European champion, and also won an Olympic title in Paris. In the women’s category, the award went to Norway’s Solfrid Koanda, who, like Nasar, also triumphed last year. The 2025 EWF-AIPS Europe Rising Star award winners are Enkleda Carja of Albania in the girls' category, and Serhii Kotelevskyi of Ukraine in the boys' category. The Gold Star award went to Giorgi Asanidze, coach of the Georgian national team. Sport Risida Dimitrova Georgi Krumov https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1111308-popular-bulgarian-sports-stars-to-lead-bike-parade-in-sofia-on-april-26 https://www.bta.bg/en/news/sport/1111308-popular-bulgarian-sports-stars-to-lead-bike-parade-in-sofia-on-april-26 Wed, 22 Apr 2026 13:52:29 +0300 Popular Bulgarian sports stars will lead the Sofia Rides a Bike for Cleaner Air Bike Parade on April 26, the organizers said on Wednesday. Among them are former professional boxer Stoyka Krasteva, karateka Ivet Goranova, retired gymnast Yordan Yovchev, and snowboarder Tervel Zamfirov. The parade will start at 10:00 AM from the National Assembly Square, passing through Orlov Most and finishing at Yuzhen Park, where there will be attractions and prize raffles. The event, organized by Sofia – World Capital of Sports and the Sofia Municipality, aims to promote cleaner air and a greener capital. Participants will receive branded T-shirts and race numbers for raffles with prizes totaling over EUR 2,000. The Bike Parade is non-competitive and encourages alternative ways of urban transportation. On 30 April, the Cycling in Sofia Photo Exhibition will open in the garden in front of the National Palace of Culture. The exhibition will present nearly 100 photos of the great events, moments and personalities that have put Sofia on the map in the history of cycling. Sport Georgi Krumov Filip Pavlov