In the Coat of Arms Hall, President Rumen Radev honored four iconic figures in Bulgarian sports – Stoyan Dimitrov, Lyubomir Ganev, Serafim Barzakov, and Maria Petrova. Their awards were presented for their exceptional merits to Bulgarian and world sports, their contribution to the Olympic movement, and their role in developing new talents.

“The high achievements of Bulgarian athletes prove that human possibilities have no limit when they are the result of dedication in the name of Bulgaria,” the President stated. He emphasized that the four awardees are an example of hard work, discipline, and an unwavering spirit, and their accomplishments continue to serve as a moral guide for younger generations.

Lyubomir Ganev spoke on behalf of the awardees, thanking the head of state for the recognition. “We will continue to work for the glory of sports and ensure that all Bulgarians are proud of what we do,” stated the longtime volleyball player and current president of the volleyball federation.

Stoyan Dimitrov, head of the trampoline gymnastics federation, is among the driving forces for the development of the sport in Bulgaria and is behind attracting the 2027 Trampoline World Championships to Sofia.
Serafim Barzakov, a two-time world champion and Olympic silver medalist in freestyle wrestling, remains one of our most successful competitors in the history of this sport.
Maria Petrova – a three-time all-around world champion in rhythmic gymnastics and today's vice-president of the Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation (BRGF) – was also among those honored on the day she celebrated her 50th birthday.

The ceremony focused on continuity, values, and the responsibility that great champions continue to bear towards Bulgarian sports.

photo: president.bg