10 Sports Achievements that Made Bulgaria Proud in 2013

Sports | December 23, 2013, Monday // 12:17
Bulgaria: 10 Sports Achievements that Made Bulgaria Proud in 2013 Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov ic pictured here celebrating his ATP title in Stockholm. Photo by Sky Sports

Grigor Dimitrov scores remarkable victory against Novak Djokovic

Bulgaria’s young tennis star Grigor Dimitrov defeated then-World No. 1 Novak Djokovic at the Mutua Madrid Open in May, claiming the biggest win in his career so far. The clash between Dimitrov and Djokovic (7-6(6), 6-7(8), 6-3, Madrid 2nd round) was named by ATP as one of the year’s most spectacular games.

Boxer Kubrat Pulev’s undefeated run continues

Bulgarian heavyweight boxer Kubrat Pulev continued his impressive undefeated run in 2013. In December, he defeated American Joey Abell in Neubrandenburg with a TKO in the 4th round, thus defending his IBF international title belt. In August, he made it to the IBF world heavyweight final after beating American Tony Thompson at the eliminator game. It now seems inevitable that the Bulgarian will achieve his big dream of facing the world super-champion Wladimir Klitschko, most likely in 2014.

National men’s volleyball team remains power to be reckoned with

Bulgaria’s men’s national volleyball team finished fourth in the 2013 European volleyball championship after losing to Serbia in the match for the third place in September.In July, the Bulgarians finished fourth in the FIVB World League. Despite narrowly failing to win a medal this year, the team showed it remains one of the strongest in the world.

Ludogorets Ragrad defy all odds by topping Europa League group

Bulgarian champions Ludogorets Razgrad stunned European football experts and fans with their performance in this season's Europa League. The team topped Group B with 5 wins and 1 draw, and only 2 conceded goals, becoming the 2nd best team in all of the groups. The Bulgarians will face Italian side Lazio in the 1/16 finals of the tournament.

Ivo Angelov caps dominant year in Greco-Roman wrestling by winning prestigious award

Bulgarian Greco-Roman wrestler Ivo Angelov won the gold medal in the 60kg category at European Championships in Tbilisi in March, as well as gold at the World Championships in Budapest in September. In December, Angelov was voted Bulgarian Athlete of the Year for 2013.

Bulgaria’s national football team shows signs of revival

Bulgaria’s national football team failed to qualify for the World Cup – but put on a brave fight in qualifying Group B. In 2013, the underdogs defeated Malta twice and drew against Denmark in Copenhagen, and lost to Italy, Armenia and the Czech Republic, finishing fourth in the qualifying group.

Bulgaria’s rhythmic gymnastics team wins another gold medal

Bulgaria's rhythmic gymnastics team won gold in the all-round event of the Dundee World Cup competition that took place in May in Sofia. The Bulgarian team including Mihaela Maevska, Hristiyana Todorova, Tsvetelina Stoyanova, Reneta Kamberova and Tsvetelina Naydenova, won gold with a total score of 34,900.

Rhythmic gymnast Miteva calls it quits on a high note

In November 2013, Bulgarian grace Silvia Miteva retired from active sport to pursue a new career as a judge, or a coach on rhythmic gymnastics. Miteva is known for her perfect technique and exceptional precision with ball, hoop and ribbon and has won a dozen medals from prestigious world championships, including a gold medal on ribbon from Berlin Grand Prix 2013.

Sprinter Lalova shows promising form

Bulgarian runner Ivet Lalova won the 100 meters sprint at the IAAF World Challenge meeting Seiko Golden Grand Prix 2013 in Tokyo. Lalova made the race at 11.46 seconds. In August, the Bulgarian sprinter nearly made it into the 100m and 200m final at the World Championship in Moscow.

Legendary gymnast Yovchev says goodbye with grand benefice show

Bulgaria's Yordan Yovchev, who became last year the first ever male gymnast to compete in six Olympic Games, kept his promise to deliver an unforgettable benefice show for all his fans. Some 11 000 people attended this historic sport event on February 23.

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