NSA received an honorary award from the Bulgarian Boxing Federation and honored the federation with a distinction

The Bulgarian Boxing Federation marked 100 years since the establishment of organized boxing in Bulgaria with a solemn ceremony at the "Sofia" Sports Hall.

Among the official guests was the rector of the National Sports Academy, Prof. Krasimir Petkov, who honored the federation with an Honorary Sign for its contribution to the development of education, science, and sports, and for implementing the mission and strategic goals of NSA.

In turn, the president of the Bulgarian Boxing Federation, Krasimir Ininski, expressed his recognition of the Academy with an honorary plaque for its contribution to promoting the values of sports and developing education and sports science, as well as a personal honorary award for the rector, Prof. Krasimir Petkov, with gratitude for the fruitful cooperation.

Prof. Petkov awarded a distinction to the National Sports Academy and to the first Bulgarian female world champion in women's boxing - Desislava Kirova, known in the global sports community as Daisy Lang. She was awarded an Honorary Sign with a ribbon for her contribution to the development of professional boxing and for establishing the authority of NSA as her alma mater.

The celebration gathered iconic athletes who have brought glory to Bulgaria in the Olympic, world, and European rings, renowned coaches, judges, and leaders. Among those present were Olympic champions Petar Lesov, Ivaylo Marinov, and Stoika Krusteva, who is now a lecturer at the Sports Academy. The event also featured Assoc. Prof. Hristo Andonov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of NSA "Vasil Levski".

The president of the federation, Krasimir Ininski, wished for more success for Bulgarian athletes, as well as unity among all for the good of one of the most successful sports in the country.

 "It is a privilege that we celebrate this anniversary under my leadership. Here is the entire elite of Bulgarian boxing; this is a holiday for us, but also a great joy for me. I wish for all of us to be healthy, may luck accompany us, and together we continue on the path ahead of us. One day boxing, a lifetime of boxing. Our expectations are always for more and more, but what matters is to be healthy and injury-free. When we are united, we are stronger; I will never tire of repeating that," said Ininski.

The history of boxing in Bulgaria dates back to 1894 when the Bulgarian Ministry of Education invited 12 Swiss physical education teachers, who introduced two new subjects into the curricula – gymnastics and French boxing. Boxing quickly gained popularity, and in the second half of the 20th century, Bulgaria became a reputable name in world boxing.

In its history, our country has won 20 medals from the Olympic Games, 42 from World Championships, 147 from European forums, 16 from the World Cup, 4 from the European Games, and 43 from European Union championships.

Since the establishment of organized boxing in our country, Bulgaria has hosted several European forums, and for six decades, Sofia has welcomed participants to one of the oldest and most prestigious boxing tournaments in the world – "Strandja".