Bulgaria opened its campaign at the World Sumo Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, with a medal after debutant Gabriela Spasova won bronze in the girls’ under-18 60 kg category.
Spasova lost in the semifinals to Hungary’s Janka Sillei, who went on to win the title. At the most recent European Championships, Spasova had also lost to the same opponent in the bronze-medal bout.
“The feeling is wonderful. After missing out on medals at so many European championships, this time I finally won one, and at a World Championship, too,” Spasova said. She added that she would continue training and preparing to compete in the women’s category at future World Championships, noting that she already holds a European women’s title.
In the hours before the competition, Spasova received constant support from her teammates Mihaela Hristova, Anna Metodieva and Stanislava Atanasova.
“They are always by my side. They motivate me and help me mentally. They are a great support to me, almost like coaches,” Spasova said, showing a small dog figurine that serves as a mascot and resembles her pet Bruno.
She thanked her personal coaches, Iglika Milencheva and Aleksandra Nakova, as well as national team coaches Hristo Hristov and Nikolay Nikolov.
Asked about her dream, Spasova, who also competes in sambo, replied: “The Olympic Games!”
Her achievements also include a European title in the women’s category, a silver medal and three bronze medals in junior European championships.
Bulgarian athletes in the women’s and men’s categories will compete for medals in Baku on Sunday.
Women
Mihaela Hristova – up to 65 kgAnna Metodieva – up to 73 kgStanislava Atanasova – up to 80 kg
Men
Presiyan Mihov – up to 85 kgIvan Blagoev – up to 100 kgSimeon Stankovich – up to 115 kg
Gabriela Spasova Wins Bronze for Bulgaria at World Sumo Championships in Baku THE NEWS FROM BULGARIA – NEWS AGENCY 2009-2025 2026-10-17 16:00:49
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BULGARIA NEWS – NEWS AGENCY 2009–2026 2026-10-17 16:00:49
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