The Bulgarian Volleyball Federation has made a strategic step towards the development of beach volleyball, presenting a long-term program, new partnerships, and a comprehensive concept for building a sustainable model. For the first time in the history of the sport in Bulgaria, it has been securedan independent budget of 150,000 euros, and the ambition is clearly formulated – the qualification of a Bulgarian pair for the Olympic Games.

From episodic tournaments to a comprehensive system

Until now, beach volleyball in Bulgaria developed fragmentarily and without a clearly defined structure. The federation's new strategy aims to change this – through synchronization between the national championship, work with juniors, and systematic participation on the international stage.
“For us, beach volleyball is an important part of volleyball's development. We now have clear rules and a long-term strategy. We managed to secure a separate budget from the Ministry of Youth and Sports – this is happening for the first time,” stated Lubomir Ganev, president of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation.

Focus on youth and sustainable development

A key priority remains the building of a broad base of athletes. In this direction, the federation is taking concrete steps:

• free registration for athletes up to 18 years old

• expanded program for juniors

• participation in international tournaments from an early age

Penyo Nenov, chairman of the beach volleyball commission, emphasized that the goal is not just to organize tournaments, but to build an environment: “We are working on a comprehensive concept. The idea is to be like one family with a sustainable vision and to promote the sport among young people.”

Serious boost through partnerships

The new strategy is also based on a stable partnership network:

• Grifid – general partner of the national championship

• Krasiko Sport – official equipment supplier

• Circle Media – product promoter

A particularly important element is the entry of beach volleyball into television broadcasting. Over the next three years, the final tournaments will be broadcast onRINGin partnership with bTV Media Group, with plans also for the creation of a specialized digital platform.
This practically means transitioning to professional management and marketing of the sport – something that has been missing until now.

National coverage of the national championship

The new championship is now namedGrifid Masters Beach Volleyand will offer a significantly expanded calendar.

The championship will include:

• 7 rounds for men and women

• 8 rounds for juniors

Expanding the geography – including cities like Smolyan and Kardzhali – clearly demonstrates an intention to move beyond traditional centers and transform beach volleyball into a national product, rather than a seasonal activity by the sea.

Clear structure for national teams

The Federation has already established coaching staffs, which is crucial for long-term work:

• Men:Neven Neshev, Milen Stoyanov

• Women:Plamen Nikolov, Miroslav Gradinarov

• Juniors:Rositsa Mihaylova

This division shows a drive towards professionalization and specialization by areas.

International tests as early as May

Bulgarian competitors will have the opportunity to test their level in the upcoming qualifications:

• World Championship (men) – May 9–10, Cyprus

• World Championship (women) – Latvia

• U18 and U20 tournaments – Turkey and Italy

These participations are key for accumulating points and experience in the international calendar.
With the new strategy, beach volleyball in Bulgaria is transitioning from a peripheral discipline to a clearly structured and prioritized project. Funding, partnerships, and the calendar are creating a foundation that was previously lacking.
The real test, however, is yet to come – whether this concept will be consistently applied and lead to the main goal: Bulgarian participation on the Olympic stage.

photos: Nikolay Varadinov