Miroslav Gochev is running for president of the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation. The former women's national team coach announced his bid on his personal Facebook page.
Six clubs are backing him: Sliven Army Sports Wrestling Club, "Zagorets" Wrestling Club in Nova Zagora, "Stefan Ivanov" Wrestling Club in Primorsko, "Chernomorets" Greco-Roman and Freestyle Wrestling Club in Burgas, "Borba-Burgas" Club, and "Angel Gochev" Wrestling Club in Sozopol municipality.
Gochev accepted the nomination and laid out three principles he plans to work by: clear rules, professionalism and unity. Members will vote at the federation's extraordinary general assembly on 17 October.
"Bulgarian wrestling has a history and traditions that put demands on us. But a great past only matters if we build a future on it," he wrote.
Gochev said he has been through every role in wrestling — as a competitor, a coach and a referee. That means he knows both the achievements and the hard work, responsibility and problems faced by athletes, coaches, referees and clubs.
He says the federation should bring people together, not split them apart. He wants to work with the clubs, respect coaches' work, put athletes first and make decisions by clear rules. Gochev said he has the experience, the will and the readiness to take on the job.
"Bulgarian wrestling is bigger than any one of us. So I'm reaching out to every club, coach, athlete, referee and official ready to work for its growth," Gochev added.
He first stepped into a wrestling hall at the age of 7, and the sport has been part of his life ever since.