Sports minister Encho Keryazov has honoured the young Bulgarian sambo wrestlers who won four medals at the Youth World Championships in Thessaloniki.
The event in Greece ran from 1 to 4 October. Bulgaria won one gold and three bronze medals.
Denitsa Georgieva became world champion in the under-50kg class for women aged under 20. Georgi Garilov took bronze in the under-98kg class for men aged under 20.
Among 18-year-olds, Aleksandra Tsenova won bronze in the under-72kg class. Aylin Sherifova came third in the over-80kg class.
Keryazov congratulated the athletes on their results. He thanked them for their hard work, persistence and sporting spirit, which he said uphold the standing of Bulgarian sambo around the world. He also praised coaches Vasil Sokolov and Nikolay Tsankov for the wins.
Rosen Dimitrov, head of the Bulgarian Sambo Federation, thanked the ministry. He said it helps the sport grow and helps athletes prepare.
Keryazov promised that the ministry will keep giving athletes the conditions and calm they need, so they can focus on training and win more medals at international events.