site.btaBulgaria’s Men Clinch Silver in Classic 1970 Volleyball World Championship Final

Bulgaria hosted the Seventh Men's Volleyball World Championship in 1970, with the tournament held from September 20 to October 2 across Sofia, Yambol, Haskovo, and Kardzhali, featuring 24 teams.

The Bulgarian national team finished as silver medallists after losing a dramatic five-set final to the German Democratic Republic, having earlier dominated their opponents and progressing through the tournament without dropping a set.

In the opening stages, Bulgaria swept all challengers 3:0, amassing 15 points without conceding a single set. The final phase saw the top eight teams face off in a round-robin format. Bulgaria edged past Japan in a tense 3:2 victory and dropped a set each to Poland and Czechoslovakia but secured wins in both matches. A commanding performance against the Soviet Union followed. Meanwhile, the German Democratic Republic's side also enjoyed a strong run, suffering only a narrow 2:3 defeat against Japan.

The final took place on October 2, pitting Bulgaria against the German Democratic Republic in a tightly contested five-set encounter, played under the service-point system. The GDR took the opener 15:11, Bulgaria responded 15:13, and then the teams traded sets again. GDR won the third 15:7, before Bulgaria levelled with a decisive 15:4 in the fourth. In the tie-break, Bulgaria surged ahead 10:1 and 13:5, coming within reach of victory. However, a power outage halted play, and once action resumed, the German Democratic Republic mounted an historic comeback, clinching the set 16:14 and sealing the championship with a 3:2 win.

Bulgaria achieved its highest-ever result at the Volleyball World Championships, securing the silver medal and establishing itself among the sport’s top teams.

The BTA bulletin “Sports Information” reported on the final stage of the tournament, noting Bulgaria’s decisive 3:0 victory over Romania on October 1. After a slow start and an early deficit, Bulgaria equalized at 9:9 and gained momentum. In the following sets, Romania took the initial lead each time, but Bulgaria consistently came back and won. Bulgaria’s roster included Dimitar Karov, Dimitar Zlatanov, Kiril Slavov, Stoyko Kraychev, Aleksandar Trenev, and Zdravko Simeonov. Romania’s team consisted of Gabriel Udisteanu, Cornel Oros, Duduciuc, Tirlic, Kodoy, and Iorga. The match was refereed by Davis (USA).

The championship final took place at Festivalna Hall in Sofia, where the venue was filled beyond capacity. Bulgaria and the German Democratic Republic entered as the tournament's top teams. Bulgaria's accomplishment, securing second place, was overshadowed by disappointment in the final. The German Democratic Republic claimed the title, but the match's dramatic conclusion left Bulgaria reflecting on missed opportunities, particularly after leading early in the final set.

Bulgaria’s starting lineup included Dimitar Karov, Stoyko Kraychev, Vasil Simov, Zdravko Simeonov, Dimitar Zlatanov, and Aleksandar Trenev. The German Democratic Republic started with Siegfried Schneider, Arnold Schulz, Wolfgang Webner, Wolfgang Weise, Eckehard Pietzsch, and Rudi Schumann.

The medals ceremony took place, with International Volleyball Federation President Paul Libaud awarding gold to the German Democratic Republic, silver to Bulgaria, and bronze to Japan. In his closing remarks, Libaud commended the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation for its organization and the exemplary sportsmanship displayed. Katsutoshi Nekoda (Japan) was recognized as best setter, Rudi Schumann (GDR) as best technician, Dimitar Karov (Bulgaria) as best defender, and Dimitar Zlatanov (Bulgaria) as best attacker.

In the final standings, the German Democratic Republic led with 13 points (20:6 sets), followed by Bulgaria with 13 points (20:7), Japan with 12 points (18:8), Czechoslovakia with 11 points (13:13), Poland with 10 points (12:16), the Soviet Union with 9 points (13:16), Romania with 9 points (10:18), and Belgium with 7 points (2:21).

After the championship, analysis underscored the contrasting styles that shaped the tournament. Japan impressed with their fast, creative offense, while the German Democratic Republic focused on power and accuracy, frequently utilizing high sets and disciplined defense. Bulgaria and the top three teams were noted for their thorough preparation and expertise in diverse volleyball strategies, each representing a distinct approach to the game. Journalists selected a symbolic world “six”: Dimitar Karov and Dimitar Zlatanov (Bulgaria), Katsutoshi Nekoda and Jungo Morita (Japan), and Arnold Schulz and Rudi Schumann (GDR), recognizing their technical skill and leadership on the court.