site.bta100 Years Since Anton Antonov's Birth: Sports Literature Pioneer

June 21 marks 100 years since the birth of Anton Antonov-Tonich (1924-1993), a pioneering Bulgarian author renowned for his contributions to sports literature. His work, "Krasna Poliana" (1956), stands as the first Bulgarian sports novel, depicting the trials and triumphs of a local football team.

Tonich, a renowned author, has penned a variety of works including short stories, travelogues focused on the World Football Championships, and collections of humorous stories and feuilletons. His literary contributions have reached a global audience, with translations available in Russian, German, Czech, Slovak, Ukrainian, Serbian, and Croatian.

He was born on June 21, 1924 in Sofia. He started as a correspondent for the Sport newspaper at 16 and later became a freelance reporter covering regional Sofia matches and writing about athletes from impoverished areas. His experience in competing in various sports gave him a unique perspective in journalism.

A veteran journalist, Tonich worked at the Starshel newspaper from 1946 to 1969, leading the International Department and Sports coverage. He later served as the responsible secretary of the Union of Bulgarian Writers and as editor-in-chief at the Bulgarian National Television and made numerous other contributions to art and society.

Anton Antonov-Tonich received the Order of St St Cyril and Methodius, First Class in 1974. In 1984, he was honoured with the Order of the People's Republic of Bulgaria, Second Class. He passed away on 22 February 1993.

BTA Reference Directorate contributed the materials for the creation of this article.