A remarkable volleyball continuity marked August 17 for the Bagdasarov family and for volleyball in Kardzhali.
After 25 years at the helm of Arda (Kardzhali), Milko Bagdasarov announced his retirement from the club's management. However, the long-time volleyball figure remains part of the management structures of Bulgarian volleyball – he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation, to which he was elected in September 2024.
And precisely on the day when Bagdasarov Sr. announced the end of his 25-year era at the head of Arda, his grandson and namesake Milko Bagdasarov left for Qatar with the Bulgarian squad for the U17 World Championship.
And not just as part of the national team, but as captain of Bulgaria U17.

Young Bagdasarov arrives on the world stage after an exceptionally strong summer. Just days ago, he led Bulgaria to the U17 Balkan title in Albania and was named MVP of the championship, after finishing the tournament with a total of 80 points. In the final against Turkey, the captain scored 27 points, including 5 blocks, in a 3:2 victory.
Thus, within the same day, one volleyball story seems to close its chapter, while another continues to be written.

End of a 25-year era at Arda

Milko Bagdasarov Sr. announced his decision through a Facebook post, and subsequently confirmed it to BTA. He is convening a General Assembly of Arda on September 9, with the main item on the agenda being the election of a new Board of Directors.
Bagdasarov is stepping down at a time when Arda's academy is completing one of its strongest seasons in recent years.
The U18 team won silver medals at the national championship for the first time in the club's history, the U16 formation finished in fifth place, and the other youth and girls' teams also participated in the national championships.
The results come against the backdrop of serious problems that Bagdasarov has repeatedly raised – training conditions, the state of sports facilities, and the lack of sufficient financial support.
The long-serving president points out that for the past three years the club has been operating under extremely difficult conditions and emphasizes that a large part of the budget has been provided by himself. According to Bagdasarov, Kardzhali continues to be the only regional city in Bulgaria without a normal sports hall.
A quarter of a century ago, he was invited by the then mayor and regional governor to take over Arda with a promise of financial and institutional support from the municipality. Now Bagdasarov expresses hope that after the election of the new management, communication with the local authorities will be restored and the club will receive the necessary support.

Retiring from the presidential post, but not from volleyball

The decision does not mean Milko Bagdasarov's farewell to volleyball.
In addition to intending to continue helping Arda, he also remains a member of the Board of Directors of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation. Bagdasarov was elected to the 17-member governing body of the federation in 2024.
"I will continue to support our beloved club – VC Arda Kardzhali – with all my might, and I will work for its future development and successes," Bagdasarov stated when announcing his decision.
And perhaps the strongest symbol of this continuation bears his own name.
While Milko Bagdasarov Sr. steps down from the presidential post at Arda after a quarter of a century, Milko Bagdasarov Jr. leaves for Qatar to lead Bulgaria as captain at the U17 World Championship.
From Arda and Kardzhali – to the national jersey and the world stage.
One name, two generations, and one common bond – volleyball.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov and facebook