Bulgarian wrestler Georgi Ivanov solidified his dominance in the heavyweight division after securing his second consecutive European Under-23 championship title.
Competing in the 125-kilogram freestyle category, Ivanov delivered a commanding performance in the final, defeating Ukraine’s Volodymyr Kochanov with a resounding 11:0 victory.
His emphatic win by technical knockout reaffirmed his standing as one of Europe’s top young wrestlers.
The gold medal match was a repeat of last year’s championship showdown, where Ivanov also faced Kochanov and emerged victorious.
This latest triumph not only showcased Ivanov’s consistent excellence on the mat but also underscored his technical superiority and tactical prowess.
His back-to-back European U23 titles reinforce Bulgaria’s continued prominence in the sport and highlight the nation’s ability to produce world-class wrestling talent.
Ivanov’s path to the final was marked by dominant performances, as he overpowered his opponents with a combination of strength, agility, and strategic execution.
His seamless control in the championship bout left Kochanov with no room for a counterattack, as the Bulgarian wrestler dictated the pace from the start.
The technical knockout victory demonstrated Ivanov’s ability to maintain pressure throughout the match, forcing an early stoppage and securing his gold medal in decisive fashion.
Following his victory, Ivanov expressed his satisfaction with his performance and credited his success to rigorous training and unwavering focus.
“Winning this title for the second time means a lot to me. I worked extremely hard to prepare for this tournament, and I’m proud to have defended my championship,” Ivanov said.
“I want to thank my coaches, teammates, and supporters for standing by me. This is a team effort, and I couldn’t have done it without them.”
Meanwhile, Bulgaria’s Radomir Stoyanov competed in the 86-kilogram freestyle category but fell short of a podium finish.
Stoyanov battled through the competition to reach the bronze medal match but was ultimately defeated 2:7 by Moldova’s Eugenio Mihalcea. Despite his best efforts, he had to settle for fifth place.
Stoyanov’s journey in the tournament was marked by resilience, as he showcased skill and determination in his bouts leading up to the medal round.
Although he missed out on a podium finish, his performance demonstrated potential for future success on the international stage.
“I gave my best in this tournament, and while I’m disappointed with the result, I’ll use this as motivation to come back stronger,” Stoyanov said after his match.
Ivanov’s latest triumph has further strengthened Bulgaria’s wrestling legacy, proving that the country remains a formidable force in the sport.
As he looks ahead to future competitions, including potential senior-level tournaments, his achievements at the U23 European Championships serve as a testament to his dedication and skill.
With two consecutive European U23 titles to his name, Ivanov has firmly established himself as a wrestler to watch in the heavyweight category.
His performance in this year’s tournament was a powerful statement of his capabilities, and Bulgarian wrestling fans will be eager to see how he continues to develop on the international stage.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members