Lokomotiv Avia (Plovdiv) libero Martin Ivanov is embarking on a new path off the court. The volleyball player will be part of the candidate lists of the "Siyanie" coalition, which was registered today with the Central Election Commission (CEC) to participate in the upcoming elections.

The news comes on the day when the coalition, represented by Nikolay Popov – father of 12-year-old Siyana, who died in an accident near Telish – submitted 6507 signatures to the CEC, collected in less than 48 hours. The documents were submitted at 10:00 AM, and March 3 – Bulgaria's Liberation Day – was chosen by the initiators as a symbolic date.

The personal reason

Martin Ivanov himself explained his motives with an emotional post on social media:

"Few people know that my father was killed on a pedestrian crossing 2 years ago, and we are still at the first instance, awaiting justice! My encounter with the Bulgarian justice system introduced me to 'hardship' and I decided that I needed to take a step towards action, not just words."
"I was invited to join the election campaign of the 'SIYANIE' coalition, whose cause I identify with and support. Siyana's father, Nikolay Popov, is not alone in the battle he has undertaken."
"The fight against road traffic injuries, corruption, and clogged institutions is not easy, but I believe that together we can find working solutions for real change."
"I hope you will support me – I will be counting on you!"

His personal tragedy – his father's death on a pedestrian crossing and the ongoing two-year-long first-instance court case – became a catalyst for his decision to enter politics.

Active during the protests as well

Ivanov's involvement in the political process does not come as a surprise to those who follow his public stance. The Lokomotiv Avia libero was particularly active during the December protests.

He not only attended the civil demonstrations but also openly supported the cause on social media. It then became clear that his position extended beyond the sports community and acquired a distinct public profile.

The reactions: support, empathy, and criticism

His decision sparked significant activity under the Facebook post. The comments outline several clearly distinct lines.

A wave of support
Most of the opinions are positive. Friends, acquaintances, and supporters unequivocally state their trust in Ivanov and express readiness to support him in the elections. Some of them emphasize his consistent commitment to socially significant causes and see him as a person of morality and firm principles.

Strong emotional empathy
Particularly impactful are the comments from people who have experienced similar tragedies. The topic of losing a loved one in a road accident and the prolonged legal procedures resonates deeply. The pain described by them is not a statistic but a personal wound – an argument that further lends weight to Ivanov's declared cause.

Critical voices and doubts
Alongside the support, there are also sharp opposing views. Some of the commentators question the political direction of the coalition and the personality of its leader. Others state that they do not approve of athletes entering politics or that they will not support the formation in the elections. These reactions show that Ivanov's move inevitably places him in the arena of political opposition.

From Libero to Public Figure

To the sports community, Martin Ivanov is known as a stable libero – a player with consistency in defense, concentration in reception, and discipline within Lokomotiv Avia's game scheme. Volleyball taught him to react under pressure, take responsibility, and work in a team.
Now, however, the challenge is different. Politics does not offer clear lines and fixed roles, but a complex environment of institutional problems and public expectations.

The reactions to his post show one thing – his decision has not gone unnoticed. It provoked strong emotions and a clear division.

Martin Ivanov is entering a new role. This time he won't be saving balls in defense, but will have to defend a cause – before an audience that is no longer just in the sports hall, but in society as a whole.

Photos: Ivanov's personal Facebook profile and Nikolay Varadinov