site.btaBulgarian Biathlon Federation Celebrates 40th Anniversary

The Bulgarian Biathlon Federation marked its 40th anniversary with a ceremony at the Volvo Centre Sofia here on Monday. Minister of Youth and Sports Georgi Glouchkov attended, along with former athletes, coaches, current national team members, and a large group of young sports enthusiasts.

Biathlon in Bulgaria began in 1960 as a military sport, with the first official competition held in 1962. The Bulgarian Biathlon Federation was founded in 1984. Over the years, Bulgarian biathletes have achieved notable successes, including Ekaterina Dafovska's gold at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, Irina Nikulchina's bronze at the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, and silver medals at world championships by Zvetana Krasteva (1989) and Vladimir Iliev (2019).

Bulgarian athletes have consistently won medals in international competitions, and the country has hosted major biathlon events, including World Cups and European and World Championships.

In his speech, Glouchkov praised the federation for making biathlon Bulgaria’s most successful winter sport, expressing confidence in the next generation of athletes to continue bringing Olympic and championship honors.

"It’s a pleasure to join you in celebrating 40 years of the Bulgarian Biathlon Federation. I’m thrilled to see young athletes following in the footsteps of Ekaterina Dafovska, and I’m confident their hard work and dedication will bring more success to your federation. The numerous medals you’ve earned over the years are a testament to your achievements. On behalf of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, I thank you for your contributions to Bulgarian sport and wish you continued success," said Glouchkov.

Special plaques were awarded to Olympic champion Ekaterina Dafovska (1998), Olympic bronze medallist Irina Nikulchina (2002), world silver medallists Tsvetanka Krasteva (1989) and Vladimir Iliev (2019), and world bronze medallist Iva Shkodreva (1991). Relay medallists Mariya Manolova and Nadezhda Alexieva were also honoured. Cash prizes went to youth athletes Valentina Dimitrova, a bronze medallist and two times Summer Biathlon World Champion, and Georgi Dzhorgov, who placed fourth and fifth at the Winter Youth Olympics.