Atanas Petrov's work with the Bulgarian national U19 girls' team received the highest possible recognition. The coach was chosen as Coach No. 1 among juniors for 2025 in the survey ofViasport.bg, with the vote this time being more than telling.

The world title, won by the Bulgarian girls at the championship in Croatia and Serbia, decisively tipped the scales in his favor. Petrov gathered an impressive 1160 points and left all other nominees far behind.

Second in the ranking was Miroslav Zhivkov – the coach of the junior national volleyball team in the same age group, and third position was taken by Kristina Ilieva, who leads the rhythmic gymnastics ensemble for girls. The point differences clearly show that the success of the volleyball girls was the leading argument in the choice.

With this distinction, Atanas Petrov symbolically took over the baton from Antonina Zetova, who was No. 1 a year earlier. His award was presented by the newly elected chairwoman of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, Vesela Lecheva, who, in her speech, emphasized the key role of the coach – often remaining in the shadows, but crucial for major victories.

Lecheva described 2025 as a historic year for Bulgarian volleyball and emphasized that behind the world champions lies systematic work, perseverance, and a clear vision. These very qualities, according to her, turn efforts into results at the highest level.

For his part, Atanas Petrov accepted the award with gratitude and sent a message to all specialists involved in the development of young talents in Bulgarian sports, emphasizing that working with juniors is difficult but entirely worthwhile.