Minutes after Lokomotiv Novosibirsk secured a victory in their away match against Fakel in Novy Urengoy, Simeon Nikolov made an emotional confession. In his blitz interview, the Bulgarian national team player recalled his first international tournament as a child – once again in this northern Russian city.
Bulgarian setter Simeon Nikolov looked back at his first international tournament as a child – specifically in the Russian city of Novy Urengoy. His memories are connected not only with his first encounter with Russian volleyball but also with his first major victory outside Bulgaria.

During the interview, the translation from Bulgarian to Russian was done by his compatriot Lazar Lazarov, who is Fakel's statistician.

🗣 Memories from 2017

In 2017, Nikolov first set foot in the arena in Novy Urengoy, where he participated in a children's Arctic tournament.

"I remember the hall very well. I remember there were many children and a large audience – just like now. This was my first tournament outside Bulgaria, and that's probably why I will always remember it. It was then that I first realized that Russian volleyball is at a very high level."

The setter emphasizes that this was his first international tournament in his career – an experience that remains forever in his mind.

"It was a very big children's tournament – many teams, many participants. This was my first contact with Russian volleyball. And I will remember it my whole life."

🌟 Did he think about a future career back then?

Asked if he believed back then that he would one day become one of the stars of Bulgarian volleyball, Nikolov is unequivocal:

"No, I didn't think about it at all. I was just having fun and was happy. I didn't even imagine I would play professional volleyball. I didn't think about what would happen in two or three years. I was just enjoying the game and feeling pleasure playing my favorite sport."

These words show how naturally and gradually his path to professional volleyball developed.

🏆 Novy Urengoy – a happy land

Interestingly, even during his first participation in the city, Nikolov won the tournament. And today, he again associates the place with success.

"Yes, I definitely remember Novy Urengoy with a victory. This is always an interesting place – because of the climate, because it's far from everything else. Even for a short time, I am always happy when I am here."

The northern city remains special to him – with its specific atmosphere and climate that make every visit memorable.

Simeon Nikolov's story shows how important the first international steps in an athlete's career can be. Novy Urengoy is not just a geographical point on the map, but a place where his sense of professional volleyball began – and which he still associates with victory today.