Leipzig (Germany) became the global capital of full-contact Kyokushin Karate. The prestigious QUARTERBACK Immobilien ARENA hosted the 7th World Championship of the International Federation of Karate (IFK), gathering nearly 800 athletes from almost 40 countries.

Bulgaria was represented by 26 athletes, competing in categories from 14 to over 21 years old. The national team was led by the coaching staff: Sensei Zahari Damyanov, Sensei Hristo Hristov, Sensei Petar Martinov, and Sensei Zhivko Andreev.

The athletes of the Bulgarian Karate Kyokushin Federation (BKKF) performed at a high level and won a total of 8 medals – 1 gold, 2 silver, and 5 bronze, demonstrating skill, fighting spirit, and strong preparation.

Awards for Bulgaria:

Gold Medal:

  • Nedzmi Bozov – Juniors (14–15 years), +75 kg, World Champion

Silver Medals:

  • Kaan Akiev – Juniors (14–15 years), up to 60 kg

  • Alexandra Ivanova – Juniors, up to 60 kg

Bronze Medals:

  • Raya Ivanova – Juniors, +55 kg

  • Kalina Parvanova – Juniors, up to 50 kg

  • Ivan Gorchov – Juniors, up to 55 kg

  • Yoanna Dafinkchieva – Juniors, up to 55 kg

  • Kristiana Dimitrova – Women 18–21 years, +65 kg

The entire Bulgarian team performed honorably – each athlete entered the tatami with determination, discipline, and a desire to win. Regardless of the results, everyone gave their best, and the coaching staff expressed satisfaction with the fighters’ performances.

Although Kazakhstan was the leading force of the championship, many Bulgarian athletes won their matches against representatives of this dominant school, which is further proof of the strength of the Bulgarian Kyokushin school.

The achievements in Leipzig confirm the high level of preparation of the local athletes and show that Bulgaria remains among the elite of global Kyokushin Karate.