site.btaBulgarian Tennis Federation Partners with Pickleball Federation to Expand Racket Sports Horizon

The Bulgarian Tennis Federation (BTF) signed a ten-year agreement with the Bulgarian Pickleball Federation (BPF) on Monday. The signing ceremony took place at the National WINBET Tennis Centre in Borisova Garden, Sofia.

This collaboration marks another step in the BTF's efforts to unify and promote racket sports in Bulgaria. Earlier this year, a similar agreement was reached with the Bulgarian Padel Federation, reinforcing the federation’s commitment to creating a cohesive ecosystem for racket sports in the country.

What is Pickleball?

Pickleball, a fast-growing sport played on a badminton-sized court with a net at tennis height, originated in the United States during the mid-1960s. Known for its accessibility and dynamic gameplay, the sport has seen a meteoric rise in popularity, with over 35 million active players in the US alone. Professional pickleball tournaments now boast prize pools exceeding seven figures.

Bulgaria has been an active contributor to the sport's European presence. A co-founder of the European Pickleball Federation, the country made its competitive debut at this year’s European Championship in Southampton, UK.

The Vision for Pickleball in Bulgaria

The agreement was formalized by BTF Vice President Mariana Pecheyan-Krasteva and BPF President Gergin Nedyalkov.

Speaking at the event, Nedyalkov highlighted pickleball's inclusivity and Olympic aspirations:

"The Bulgarian [Pickleball] Federation is part of the European [Pickleball] Federation. Globally, there are three organizations that have recently announced plans to unite for the sport's development. The primary goal is to be included in the Olympic programme, and Bulgaria hopes to participate with a national team if this occurs. This is a sport for everyone, including individuals with intellectual disabilities," Nedyalkov said.

Pecheyan-Krasteva spoke about the strategic focus this partnership enables:

"This is a great day for Bulgarian sports and tennis. With this agreement, we will focus on four key areas: expanding facilities, promoting the sport, improving administration and financing, and organizing tournaments both nationally and internationally," Pecheyan-Krasteva said.

The Current Landscape of Pickleball in Bulgaria

The sport is steadily gaining traction in the country, with approximately 300 active participants. Sofia alone boasts four indoor pickleball courts, and clubs have sprung up in key cities, including Stara Zagora (South Central Bulgaria), Plovdiv (South Central Bulgaria), Burgas (on the Black Sea), and Varna (on the Black Sea).