Ivan Doktorov: “Bulgarian SAMBO is celebrating an anniversary, and we’re expecting surprises at the World Championships in Sofia”

Bulgarian Ivan Doktorov was a winner in the most “senior” +100 kg weight category – over 65 years – at the World Masters SAMBO Championships. In an interview with the FIAS website, the 66-year-old champion talked about his achievements in his youth, his current training routine, and his plans for the near future.

“I became a European SAMBO champion in 1976. I competed in the World Masters Championships for the first time in Croatia and won a gold medal right there. I trained two and a half months for the championship, with heavy daily workouts. All my opponents seemed a lot weaker, so I got through the whole tournament easily and confidently,” Doktorov said.

He said he felt very good physically.

“I have a daughter, two grandsons and a great-grandson, but none of them are involved in SAMBO. So I coach children at my sports club in Ihtiman. My students are from 4 to 10 years old, and they train in SAMBO and judo,” Doktorov explained.

He said he was also going to the World Masters SAMBO Championships next year. The main thing is not to get injured.

“I’m looking forward for the next tournament in Sofia. As you know, it’s the World SAMBO Championships. Bulgarian SAMBO is celebrating an anniversary this year, so we can expect some real surprises at the tournament. I have to see it for myself! Luckily, it’s easy for me to get to Sofia: a 20-minute drive, and I’m there,” Doktorov said.