Bulgarian Wrestlers Shine at European Cadet Championship
- 18 May 2026 | 03:07
The results of Bulgarian freestyle wrestlers at the European Cadet Championship in Samokov are not a coincidence but the fruit of continuous effort, according to senior coach Radoslav Velikov. The Bulgarian team secured fifth place in Europe with 85 points, including a gold medal for Nikola Iliev (71 kg), silver medals for Radoslav Velikov Jr. (45 kg) and Stefan Stefanov (110 kg), as well as fifth-place finishes for Merter Mustafov (55 kg) and Petko Sarakostov (65 kg).
"Last year, at the European competition for this age group, we had three victories in freestyle wrestling. This year, we have three finals. And it's only been one year! But for that one year, we have been constantly at camps both here and abroad — Dagestan, Estonia... wherever. So, these results are not coincidental! Am I satisfied? I am a maximalist. It could have been better," Velikov said.
The Russian team took first place in the team standings with 163 points and three gold medals, two silver, and two bronze. Azerbaijan came in second with 156 points (3-2-2), while Georgia took third with 124 points (0-0-6). Ukraine placed fourth with 96 points (1-2-1), just ahead of Bulgaria. In total, Bulgaria secured five medals at the championship, with Georgi Markov adding a gold in the 60 kg category and Andrei Niseva (61 kg) winning a silver. Next week, the European Championships for boys and girls under 15 will take place in Samokov, with the event running from May 20 to 24.
I can't help but be excited about Bulgaria's progress in wrestling! But we need to push for that top spot! What do you think, can Bulgaria dominate next year?