Bulgaria hosted the International Tournament in memory of Ivan Doktorov

The International Cadets Charity SAMBO Tournament in memory of the Honored Master of Sports, Honored Coach Ivan Doktorov was held on July 1 in Sofia. The competition was organized by the Association of Bulgarian Sambists (ABS) with the support of the Bulgarian Sambo Federation.

The tournament, which was held for the first time, was attended by about 150 boys and girls from 5 countries: Greece, North Macedonia, Moldova, Cyprus and Bulgaria. The host party presented sambists from 10 clubs.

As the organizers explained, the tournament is named after Ivan Doktorov, who died suddenly in 2021. European champion in 1976 and multiple world champion among masters, Ivan Doktorov was a co-founder and permanent member of the ABS, as well as a passionate supporter of Bulgarian SAMBO.

At the opening of the tournament, ABS Chairman Dimitar Dimitrov, a close friend of Ivan Doktorov, delivered a speech in which he outlined the meaning and priorities of the charity tournament. He noted that sports should be managed by worthy and valuable people who can be an example for teenagers, and Ivan Doktorov was just such a person.

On behalf of the Association of Bulgarian Sambists, Dimitar Dimitrov presented honorary plaques to the widow of the patron of the tournament, Bozhidara Doktorova, as well as to the mayor of the Ihtiman municipality, who financially supported the event.

“Particular attention at the tournament was paid to the performances of the sports club for children with disabilities and from low-income families “SOP, Sport and SAMBO for development” headed by coach Emil Neshev. The guys competed at the tournament, deservedly receiving medals and thunderous applause from the audience,” Dimitar Dimitrov said.

In addition to medals for victories, awards were presented at the tournament in separate nominations. Two participants of the tournament with the best techniques won the Ivan Doktorov Cups.

“The event also became a great celebration for all famous sambists of the 1970s and 1980s. They were guests of honor, introduced by name and occupying a special place in the hall. Each of them had a ribbon with the inscription "Legend". Thus, continuity was established between the young guys who were on the mat and the titled athletes, in whose eyes they fought,” Dimitrov said.

On the second day of the tournament in the hall "Sofia" a master class was held for the participants of the tournament under the auspices and guidance of Dimitar Dimitrov.

“Presidents of foreign federations expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the tournament and the excellent conditions in which the competitions were held. Everyone was satisfied with the event and said that they would be looking forward to the second Ivan Doktorov Memorial Tournament next year,” Dimitar Dimitrov said.