Four students from the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FEBA) were among the awardees at Sofia University’s prestigious “Athlete of the Year” ceremony. During the event, the best student athletes of 2025 were honored.

The official ceremony took place in the Central Lobby of Sofia University’s Rectorate and was held under the sign of the 96th anniversary of the university’s sports activities.

Simona Naydenova, a student at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, was among the distinguished participants at the event. She earned 3rd place at the individual university tennis championship, 1st place at the National University Spring Beach Tennis Championship, and 3rd place at the University Team Games. Her coach is Chief Assistant Radoslav Kostadinov.

Simona received her award from Assoc. Prof. Todor Yalamov, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.

As part of the celebration, special awards were also given to students nominated for elevating the prestige of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” in the field of sports.

Daniel Trifonov is a first-year student at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, majoring in “Economics and Finance with English”. He is a professional artistic gymnast with the “Levski” Sports Club – Sofia and a national team member. In 2025, he won a silver medal on horizontal bar and a bronze medal on vault at the World Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as well as a bronze medal on vault in Sombathely, Hungary. He is a multiple Bulgarian champion in all-around and individual apparatus. Daniel received his award from Assoc. Prof. Todor Yalamov, Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration.

Diana Sirakova is a master’s student in the program “Applied Econometrics and Economic Modeling” at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration. She is a Shotokan Karate athlete, competing for the “Shiseikan” Karate Club and a national team competitor. She has won more than 70 medals since 2015, including three gold and one silver at World Championships, and one gold, two silver, and one bronze at European Championships. Her award was presented by Assoc. Prof. Nikolay Staykov from Sofia University’s Department of Sports.

Kaloyan Peshev is a second-year student at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, majoring in “Business Administration”. He is a sabre fencer competing for the “Svechnikov” Fencing Club. In 2024, he won 1st place at the National Team Championship for men and youth, 3rd place at the National Individual Youth Championship, and 1st place in the team event at the U23 European Cup. He received his award from Desislava Temelkova.

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the university’s leadership, deans and vice-deans of Sofia University’s faculties, representatives of the Student Council, sports federations, students, and guests. Sponsors of the event included Sofia Municipality, the Student Council, and the children’s toy store “Comsed”. The student athletes also received one-month fitness vouchers for Pulse gyms.

Prof. Boryana Tumanova, Director of the Department of Sports, emphasized that the ceremony is an occasion to express well-deserved recognition to those who, through will, discipline, and perseverance, bring prestige to Sofia University. She noted that the ancient saying “A sound mind in a sound body” is more relevant than ever today, as sport is not merely physical exercise but a culture and way of life.

Sofia University’s Rector, Prof. Dr. Georgi Valchev, stated that the achievements of the university’s student athletes are remarkable and reflect tremendous hard, focused, and disciplined work.

The Rector expressed hope that in the coming years, Sofia University will have a renewed sports base. “I want to congratulate in advance all nominees and all winners. Continue to bring glory to Sofia University. Good luck, colleagues!” said Rector Prof. Georgi Valchev.

As part of the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Petar Zografov, President of the Association for University Sports, also addressed the student athletes. He highlighted the achievements of Sofia University’s delegation at the National Universiade in Stara Zagora, pointing out that they competed under exceptional competition across 17 sports. Assoc. Prof. Zografov presented Prof. Georgi Valchev and Prof. Tumanova with the overall first-place trophy from the general ranking, won by Sofia University’s athletes.