19.11.2025
Sofia University awarded its best student athletes for 2025
In the Central Hall of the Rectorate of Sofia University, the ceremonial event "Athlete of the Year" was held, honouring the best student athletes and coaches for 2025. The event was marked by the 96th anniversary of sports activity at the university.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of the rector's management, deans and vice-deans of the faculties of Sofia University, representatives of the Student Council, sports federations, students and guests. Sponsors of the event were the Sofia Municipality, the Student Council, and the children's toy store "Komsed".
The students also received one-month vouchers for visits to Pulse gyms.
The Director of the Department of Sports, Prof. Boryana Tumanova, noted that the ceremony is an occasion to give due recognition to those who, through will, discipline, and perseverance, bring honour to Sofia University. She emphasised that the ancient saying “A healthy mind in a healthy body” is more relevant today than ever, because sport is not just physical exercise but a culture and a way of life.
Prof. Tumanova thanked her colleagues, teachers, and coaches who stand behind the successes of our athletes, and also thanked the university leadership, which has believed that sport is not just an elective subject, but a vital academic discipline for the future of students.
She congratulated the students on their efforts, achievements, and the example they set. According to her, they are the people who have found the right balance between lectures and sports, seminars and competitions. "You are the ambassadors of an active lifestyle and you prove that knowledge and sport can go hand in hand, even if sometimes your hands tremble from exhaustion," said Prof. Tumanova, wishing them to continue to fight, to win, and to believe.
The Rector of Sofia University, Prof. Dr Georgi Vylchev, pointed out that the achievements of the Alma Mater students in the field of sports are remarkable and he realises that this is due to extremely hard, purposeful and disciplined work.
“Sport does not only make us healthy, sport builds many additional qualities in each of you that will help you in the realisation of the speciality you have chosen. Hard work, a lot of sweat, a strong desire to achieve certain goals, fitting in with teams, making decisions sometimes in a fraction of a second, all of this will be extremely useful in your future professions, in your professional growth when you leave the student benches. Continue on this path, because you are an inspiration for the other students at Sofia University and I hope that in the coming years sport will take its proper place in our university culture,” said the rector, and he thanked the colleagues from Sofia Municipality and personally Professor Vili Lilkov.
The rector expressed hope that in the coming years Sofia University will have an upgraded sports facility. "I would like to congratulate in advance all the nominees and all the winners. Enhance the glory of Sofia University. Good luck, colleagues!" wished the rector Prof. Georgi Valchev.
Assoc. Prof. Ivan Slavchev read a congratulatory address on behalf of the rector of the National Sports Academy, Prof. Krasimir Petkov.
During the ceremony, Associate Professor Petar Zografov, Chairman of the Association for University Sports, also extended his greetings to the student athletes. He specifically highlighted the achievements of the Sofia University delegation at the National Universiade, held in Stara Zagora. He noted that they competed in exceptional rivalry across 17 sports. Associate Professor Petar Zografov presented the overall first-place trophy to Professor Georgi Valchev and Professor Tumanova, won by the athletes of Sofia University.
Prof. Georgi Ignatov recalled the history of sports activities at Sofia University. On 30 May 1929, a Student Sports Club was founded in one of the University's lecture halls, whose main objective was the widespread promotion of sports among students. Later it was renamed "Sports Club Academic-Sofia University St. Kl. Ohridski" and for 96 years, thanks to it, sports at the University have been developing successfully.
Over the years, the colours of the University have been represented by two Bulgarian presidents – Georgi Parvanov and Petar Stoyanov – both of whom participated in the University's volleyball team. Also, two chairpersons of the National Assembly – Ognyan Gerdzhikov (track and field athlete) and Mihail Mikov (basketball player), as well as numerous members of parliament, ministers and public figures.
“I want to highlight the fact that in the last 11 student Universiades organised from 2014 to 2025, the teams of Sofia University in various sports have consistently won top places. At the latest Universiade in Stara Zagora in May this year, our student-athletes won 7 gold, 13 silver and 20 bronze medals across 17 sports. This clearly demonstrates that the University nurtures not only smart and intelligent young people, but also excellent athletes,” said Prof. Ignatov. As chairman of the Sports Club, he expressed his gratitude to the University management for the constant support and the opportunity given to all our students to participate in all organised competitions in the country and abroad. He also expressed special thanks to all the teachers and sports coaches at the University for their dedication and professionalism in working with the students.
Prof. Ignatov also reminded that the "Athlete of the Year" ranking, in which the best athletes of Sofia University for the past year are awarded, has been held consistently since 1998. "Let us once again give due credit to the achievements of all our student athletes who have the desire and will to practise sports and develop their personality in harmony between science and sport. Let us express our respect to the students who have accepted the challenge to compete for the honour of their Alma Mater," he urged.
A greeting to her colleagues was also delivered by the Chairperson of the Student Council, Mihaela Koseva, who stated that the “Athlete of the Year” ceremony is not only an event where we celebrate the sporting achievements of outstanding students at Sofia University, but it is a celebration of sport at our Alma Mater, which is an integral part of both students' education and their way of life.
"Sports activity shapes personalities, teaches discipline and encourages a competitive spirit, without which we cannot succeed. We should be grateful to the young people here who, despite the difficulties, manage to represent our university with dignity at national and international levels. Our athletes are a benchmark for dedication, perseverance and responsibility. These are people we should admire not only today but every day. Their achievements serve as an example for all students and for future generations who will soon cross the threshold of Sofia University," said Mihaela Koseva, adding that without the coaches and lecturers from the Department of Sport and the rectorate leadership, these unprecedented successes would not have been possible. She also noted that the sporting tradition at our university is maintained thanks to both the Department and the Student Council.
Addressing the athletes, she urged them to continue being inspiring. "You are extraordinary students who not only bring glory to the name of the University but also contribute to your personal development as young people in our dynamic society. Be successful and go for it!" wished the Chairperson of the Student Council. The celebration continued with the awarding of the best student athletes.
Bilyana Belova – Volleyball, Faculty of Medicine Bilyana is the national student champion for 2025 at NU Stara Zagora. She was selected as "Most Valuable Player (MVP)" of the tournament. She won 2nd place at NUSH-Volleyball - Sofia group 2024/2025. She is a player for VC "Deya-Volley", Burgas for junior and senior girls, and in 2023/2024 she also played for the senior women's team in the "Demax League". For the 2025/2026 season, she competed for the women's team of CPVC in the "Demax League". Coach – Assoc. Prof. Mina Antonova. Bilyana received her award from the Rector of Sofia University, Prof. Dr Georgi Valchev.
Vasil Shandarov – tennis, Faculty of Law
Vasil won 1st place in the individual competition at the Universiade in Stara Zagora; 2nd place in the men's doubles at the national championship indoors in Dryanovo. Coach – Chief Assistant Radoslav Kostadinov. The award was presented by Prof. Vili Lilkov.
Viktor Atanasov – judo, Faculty of Physical Education
Viktor's achievements are: 2nd place NU Stara Zagora 2025 up to 60kg, 5th place NU Stara Zagora 2024 up to 60kg; Rector's Cup 2024 and 2025 2nd place. Coach - Asst. Prof. Valeria Lukanova. Viktor received his award from Assoc. Prof. Ivan Slavchev, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Sport at NSA.
Deyan Zlatanov – kickboxing, Faculty of Law
NU Stara Zagora 2024 kicklight contact 1st place, light contact 2nd place; NU Stara Zagora 2025 light contact 3rd place. Coach - Chief Assistant Valeria Lukanova.
The award was presented by Desislava Temelkova, Director of the Directorate "Sport and Youth Activities" at Sofia Municipality.
Emma Dincheva – basketball, Faculty of Slavic Studies
Emma's achievements are: 2nd place 3x3 (women) 2025; 2nd place 3x3 (mixed teams); 3rd place - Summer Universiade 2025, Stara Zagora. Coach - Prof. Iren Peltekova. Emma received her award from Assoc. Prof. Ivan Stoilov, Head of the Department of Physical Education and Sport at the Business Faculty of UNWE.
Zornitsa Gerasimova – basketball, Faculty of Geology and Geography
She took 2nd place in 3x3 (women) 2025; 2nd place in 3x3 (mixed teams); 3rd place - Summer Universiade 2025, Stara Zagora. She is a basketball player for Dunav (Ruse) and Lokomotiv (Sofia). National player at youth level. Coach - Prof. Iren Peltekova. The award was presented by Assoc. Prof. Parvan Parvanov, Vice-Rector of Sofia University.
Ivayla Evlogieva – volleyball, Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication Ivayla is the national student champion for 2025 of NU Stara Zagora. She was chosen as the "Best Libero" of the tournament; 2nd place at NUSH-Volleyball - Sofia group 2024/2025; Ivayla is a long-time player of the CSKA volleyball club and part of the national under-20 girls team. Coach – Asst. Prof. Mina Antonova. Ivayla received her award from Prof. Efrem Efremov, FJMC.
Kristiyan Bozhilov - cross-country skiing, Faculty of Education and Arts
Kristiyan is the national university champion in cross-country skiing for 2025, and he won a bronze medal in cross-country skiing at the National Winter University Games in 2025. Coach - Assoc. Prof. Ivanka Karparova. Kristiyan received his award from Prof. D.Sc. Milen Zamfirov, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Sciences, who also presented a special award on behalf of the faculty.
Krastina Ivanova - table tennis, Faculty of Educational and Arts Sciences
Krastina's achievements include: National University Games Stara Zagora 2025 and NUSH team, Shumen 2024: 3rd place in women's team, 3rd place in women's doubles, 2nd place in women's singles, 3rd place in mixed doubles. Multiple-time Bulgarian champion in all disciplines for cadets and juniors. Long-time national youth competitor. Coach - Assoc. Prof. Venelina Tsvetkova. The award was presented by Prof. D.Sc. Milen Zamfirov, Dean of the Faculty of Educational and Arts Sciences. Krastina also received an award from her faculty.
Martin Yordanov - orienteering, Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics
NUSH 2025 bronze medal in sprint and silver medal in middle-distance. Coach - Assoc. Prof. Anton Hidzov. Martin received his award from Assoc. Prof. Vanya Bozhilova, Dean of the Faculty of Education.
Martin Chalukov – swimming, Faculty of Law
NUSH 2024 - gold medal - 50m butterfly, gold medal - 4 x 50m freestyle relay, silver medal 4 x 50 mixed relay. NU Stara Zagora 2025 - silver medal 50m butterfly, bronze medal - 100m butterfly, silver medal 4 x 50 medley freestyle relay, bronze medal 4 x 50 medley mixed relay. Coach - Assoc. Prof. Bilyana Rangelova. The award was presented by Assoc. Prof. Petar Zografov.
Mira Nikolova - Athletics, Faculty of Law
Mira's achievements are: Third place in the 4x400 m relay at NU 2025, third place in the 4x100 m and 4x400 m relays at NU 2024. Coach - Assoc. Prof. Ivanka Karparova. Mira received her award from the chief expert of the Directorate "Sports and Youth Activities" at Sofia Municipality, Valentina Likova.
Pavel Pavlov – football, Faculty of Education and Arts Sciences
Pavel has won: 1st place – Primary School Football – 2025; 1st place – Primary School Football – 2024; 1st place – Primary School Futsal – 2024; 2nd place – European Team Cup – Mini Football Tournament at 'Games of Nations' (25-29.09.2023, Bratislava, Slovakia). He has come through the youth academy of FC 'Levski-Rakovski' (Sofia). He is currently the captain of the club's senior team, which competes in the Third South-West League. Coach - Prof. Georgi Ignatov. Pavel received his award from Assoc. Prof. Parvan Parvanov.
He also received an award from his faculty, as well as a special award from Stanislav Guberov – former captain of the football team, now a member of the University Sports Club and a parliament member in the 51st National Assembly.
Rosina Todorova – Swimming, Faculty of Law
Rosina's achievements are: NU Stara Zagora 2025. Gold medal - 100m freestyle; silver medal - 50m freestyle, silver medal - 50m butterfly; silver medal 4 x 50 mixed freestyle relay; bronze medal 4 x 50 mixed medley relay. Coach - Prof. Boryana Tumanova. Rosina received her award from the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Law, Assoc. Prof. Ventsislav Petrov.
Simona Naydenova – Tennis, Faculty of Economics
Simona won 3rd place in the individual student tennis championship, 1st place in the NUSH spring beach tennis, and 3rd place in the Team Universiade. Coach - Assistant Professor Radoslav Kostadinov.
Simona received her award from Associate Professor Todor Yalamov, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics.
Stefan Stefanov – Football, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Arts Achievements of Stefan include: 1st place – Primary School Football – 2025 1st place – Primary School Football – 2024, 1st place – Primary School Futsal – 2024, 2nd place – European Team Cup – Mini Football Tournament at "Games of Nations" (25-29.09.2023, Bratislava, Slovakia). He has been part of the Bulgarian youth National Football Team. Coach - Prof. Georgi Ignatov.
The award was presented by the Chairman of the Student Council, Mihaela Koseva. He also received an award from FNOI, as well as a special award from Stanislav Guberov.
Yana Shkerlikova – judo, Faculty of Theology
Rector's Cup, 1st place, NU Stara Zagora 2025 3rd place. Coach - Asst. Prof. Valeria Lukanova. Yana received her award from Petar Petar Pelovski – president and owner of Gravoprint – the company that has been producing the "Sportsman of the Year" awards for over 10 years.
Apostol Shtcherev – basketball, Faculty of Law
Apostol wins: 2nd place at NU'24, 1st place in 3x3 mixed teams basketball and 2nd place - men, silver medals in 3x3 mixed teams basketball and bronze in men in 2025, 1st place in the 4th division of NABL. Included in the league's ideal five. Coach - Asst. Prof. Boyana Mitreva. Apostol received his award from Plamen Bozhidarov, General Manager of the Bulgarian Mini Football Association.
Within the celebration, special awards were also presented to students nominated for enhancing 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, majoring in Economics and Finance with English. He is a professional competitive gymnast at Levski Sports Club in Sofia and a national competitor. In 2025, he won a silver medal on the horizontal bar and a bronze on the vault at the World Cup in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. He also won a bronze medal on the vault in Szombathely, Hungary. He is a multiple-time champion of Bulgaria in all-around and individual apparatus events. Daniel received his award from Assoc. Prof. Todor Yalamov, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics.
Diana Sirakova holds a master's degree from the Faculty of Economics, specialising in Applied Econometrics and Economic Modelling. She is a Shotokan Karate competitor, representing the Shiseikan Karate Club and is a national competitor. She has won over 70 medals from 2015 to the present, the most significant of which are: 3 gold and 1 silver from World Championships, 1 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze from European Championships. The award was presented by Assoc. Prof. Nikolay Staykov from the Department of Sport at Sofia University.
Kaloyan Peshev is a second-year student at the Faculty of Economics, majoring in Business Administration. He is a sabre fencer at 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 Championship for youth, and 1st place as a team at the Under-23 European Cup. He received his award from Desislava Temelkova.
Rosen Kirilov is a fourth-year student at the Faculty of History, majoring in History. A former CSKA (Sofia) player, with whom he became champion and won the Bulgarian Cup. He also played for Lovech, with whom he was twice Bulgarian champion and once cup winner. In 1998 he was named the best central defender in the Bulgarian championship. Abroad, he has played for the Turkish team Adanaspor, the Cypriot APOP, and the Romanian Vaslui. Rosen Kirilov has 55 caps for the Bulgarian national team. He participated in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France and the 2004 UEFA European Football Championship in Portugal. He is currently a coach. Rosen received his award from the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of History, Assoc. Prof. Dr Milena Petkova-Roberg.
During the ceremony, the captain of the football team, Nikola Nedelchev from the Faculty of Law, received an award for achieving excellent results and enhancing the prestige of sports at Sofia University. Nikola is a two-time University Champion for 2024 and 2025 and University Futsal Champion for 2024. Nikola received his award from Assoc. Prof. Parvan Parvanov.
Traditionally, at the "Sportsman of the Year" Ceremony, the best coaches were also honoured. For 2025, they are:
Assist. Prof. Dr Mina Antonova – coach of the women's volleyball team at Sofia University 'St. Kliment Ohridski', with which she became the national University Champion of Bulgaria in 2025.
Prof. Dr Georgi Ignatov – coach of the University's football team, with which he became the national University Champion of Bulgaria in 2024 and 2025.
The awarded coaches received their prizes from the Director of the Department of Sports, Prof. Boryana Tumanova.
During the ceremony, the attendees enjoyed performances by the University Early Music Ensemble conducted by Dr Krasimira Tsutsumanova.
The good mood was also contributed to by the performances of the University's majorette team coached by Assoc. Prof. Nikoleta Bocheva, as well as by Los Pambos Dance Company with choreographer Pambos Agapiou and the dancers of Sofia University.
