site.btaSports Minister Glushkov Optimistic that Bulgarian Athletes Will Achieve Success at Paris Olympics

In an exclusive BTA interview, Youth and Sports Minister Georgi Glushkov said that he is optimistic that Bulgarian athletes will have a successful Olympics in Paris. The Games in the French capital will open on Friday evening and run until August 11. Bulgaria will be represented by 46 athletes competing in 16 sports.

"There are traditional sports in which we do well, so we expect a good performance. I would like to see young athletes advancing somehow and surprising us. Showing that the young people can do it too. The competition is strong. Everybody is gearing up, it's tough, but I have hope. I would advise them to be calm and positive and to focus solely on giving their best. [...] I believe they will achieve results," Glushkov said.

Bulgaria took six medals and three titles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, all of which were won by women.

"I think we will get close to that number this year, or maybe even exceed it. I personally hope that we will also see the men performing well this time," the Minister added. "It will be nice to have something to be proud of. I want to see a young athlete stand out because it's important. We already know what the athletes who are participating in the Olympics for the second or third time are capable of. But a young athlete will be a major motivation for their peers in Bulgaria," Glushkov noted.