site.btaBulgarian Karatekas Win 12 Medals at European Kyokushin Karate Championship

Bulgarian karatekas won five gold, three silver, and four bronze medals at the 36th European Kyokushin Karate Championship in Yerevan, Armenia.

The gold went to Viktor Kolev (up to 90 kg), Vassil Dimitrov (over 90 kg), Monika Stoeva (55 kg), Marian Balabanov (up to 80 kg and 21 years of age), and Alexandra Ivanova (up to 60 kg and 17 years of age).

The silver went to Raya Ivanova (over 50 kg and up to 15 years of age), Yoana Dafinkchieva (up to 50 kg and 17 years of age), and Hristiana Dimitrova (over 65 kg and up to 21 years of age). Dimitrova also won a special award for strong fighting spirit.

The bronze went to Dimitar Dimitrov (up to 75 kg), Georgi Todorov (up to 80 kg and 21 years of age), Nedzhmi Bozov (up to 80 kg and 17 years of age), and Mihael Ivanov (over 75 kg and up to 15 years of age).

Bulgaria ranked third in the team ranking. The first place went to Kazakhstan with 20 gold, 11 silver, and 18 bronze medals, followed by Armenia with 9 gold, 10 silver, and 13 bronze medals.

A total of 357 karatekas from 12 countries competed in the 36th European Kyokushin Karate Championship.