On 16-17 November 2024 in “Sofia” Sports Hall, Sofia City, Bulgaria was held the III Open Balkan Cup. The Balkan Cup was initiated by four countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia and Greece in 2022. The I Open Balkan Cup was in Romania; the II Open Balkan Cup was in Slovenia, and we are proud to announce that the III Open Balkan Cup in Bulgaria gathered a total number of 772 participants from 50 clubs, representing 15 countries – Armenia, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Croatia, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Bulgaria.
The athletes had the chance to compete in the individual disciplines: pattern, special techniques, power test, kick (kids 7-9 years), sparring (10 years and above), as well as sparring (juniors and seniors).
We were honored to have the following officials of the opening ceremony were:
Sabum Vencislav Ignatov – main organizer of the event and President of Central Police Taekwon-Do Club and Bulgarian Association of Taekwon-Do;
GM Panagiotis Gialamas – former Secretary General of AETF, Member of AETF Revisory Committee
Sabum Cosmin Oprescu – President of Romanian Taekwon-Do ITF Federation, Board member of ITF
Mr. Damyan Dikov – Executive Director of Foundation “Sofia, European Capitol of Sports”
Mr. Ivo Velchev – Secretary General of the European Police Sports Union (USPE)
Mr. Lusien Velchev – President of “Levski – Sports for All”
Mrs. Vanina Milanova – President of The Assembly of European Multiclub Sport Association (EMCA)
Mr. Rosen Tsvetanov – Director of 151 National High School “Sofia”
Mrs. Mariyana Tsvetkova – Director of 153 Sports School “Neofit Rilski”
The opening ceremony was led by Sabum Yavor Tasev – Secretary General of AETF and Bulgarian Association of Taekwon-Do
During the ceremony, the officials greeted all the participants and extinguished the high level of the event organization.
Mr. Damyan Dikov officially handled to Sabums Vencislav Ignatov and Yavor Tasev honorable medal of foundation “Sofia – European Capitol of Sports” for their contribution to de sports development in the City of Sofia for 2024. All officials received a commemorative plaque and the Competition was officially opened by Mr. Ivo Velchev – Secretary General of the European Police Sports Union (USPE).
After the intense 2 days competition, the results are:
Best competitors:
– 6-7 Years
Male: Alex Tsvetanov – 35 points – 1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
Female: Truta Anamaria Nicoleta – 29 points – 2 gold, 1 silver
– 8-9 Years
Male: Gandila Andrei – 18 points – 1 gold, 1 silver
Female: Lucut Aniais Maria – 29 points – 2 gold, 2 silver
– 10-11 Years
Male: Saiu Alexandru – 28 points – 2 gold, 1 bronze
Female: Magdalena Ignatova – 28 points – 1 gold, 2 silver
– 12-14 Years
Male: Mihail Petkov – 27 points – 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Female: Cornea Larisa Ioana – 27 points – 1 gold, 1 silver, 1 bronze
– 15-17 Years
Male: Ienulesc Alexandru Leonard – 27 points – 3 silver
Female: Nikol Asenova – 34 points – 2 silver, 2 bronze
– Over 18 Years
Male: Baila Alexandru Ioan – 28 points – 2 gold, 1 bronze
Female: Gabriela Tsenkova – 35 points – 1 gold, 1 silver, 2 bronze
Best clubs:
- Romanian Taekwon-Do ITF Federation – 19 gold, 13 silver, 14 bronze
- The Israel Taekwon-Do Center – 12 gold, 4 silver, 12 bronze
- CPTC 97 SU – 8 gold, 4 silver, 5 bronze
Best countries:
- Romania – 45 gold, 34 silver, 44 bronze – Total: 124 medals
- Bulgaria – 28 gold, 49 silver, 84 bronze – Total: 161 medals
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – 13 gold, 12 silver, 18 bronze – Total: 43 medals
Link to video for the tournament:
Waiting to see you all next year in Bosnia & Herzegovina for the next Balkan Cup!
Photo gallery
