Glory for the Grapplers

The dust has settled on Samokov, and the echoes of triumph still ring through the mats. The Bulgarian Wrestling Federation did not let the heroes of the 2026 European Championships fade into the background. Instead, they were summoned to center stage, recognized for their gold, silver, and bronze hauls across the U17 and U15 cadet divisions. Fourteen young warriors stood tall, receiving cash prizes and food vouchers secured by federation sponsors. This was not just a handout; it was a formal acknowledgment of their prowess against Europe’s elite.

A New Era of Discipline

Standing beside these rising stars were the titans of the sport. Stanca Zlateva, the federation president and five-time world champion, shared the podium with Olympic and world champion Georgi Mrkov. They were joined by head coaches Simeon Sterev, Radoslav Velikov, and Stefan Toshev, who offered words of encouragement and visions of future Olympic glory. Zlateva made it clear: this success is no accident. It is the product of a rebuilt system.

"We are seeing the results of the new work structure the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation began to build," Zlateva declared. "We organize more training camps, including for the youngest age groups. We work longer-term and more purposefully with children and young athletes. This is how future champions are forged."

Restoring the Legacy

The ambition is nothing short of monumental. The federation aims to resurrect Bulgaria’s storied wrestling traditions and restore its formidable school of grappling. The goal is to produce a generation of disciplined, confident athletes ready to conquer European, world, and Olympic stages. The flawless organization of both European championships in Samokov, coupled with the athletes’ performances, signals that Bulgarian wrestling is moving in the right direction—both technically and logistically. The foundation is laid. The next generation is ready.