Samokov is turning into the epicenter of world wrestling sport with the upcoming Youth and Junior Championship under 20 years old. The large-scale competition will draw serious attention to Bulgaria as the host of an international sporting event of the highest rank.
Over 650 athletes from 70 countries will compete at "Arena Samokov" between August 17 and 24. Among the participants are teams with exceptional world prestige such as the USA, Iran, Turkey, Russia, and Japan, which further increase the attractiveness of the championship.
The first international delegations have already arrived for preparation. Teams from Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Brazil have started training at the "Diana" complex, with expectations of an extremely competitive race.
The competition will take place in several consecutive stages. It starts with the freestyle for youth, with the draw to be held on August 16. This will be followed by the girls' matches, with the final being the youth in the classical style.
The Bulgarian Wrestling Federation reports that the national team lineup is still being formed. Changes in team compositions are possible up to 72 hours before the official draw, which further maintains the intrigue around the final standings.
The detailed program of the championship includes daily competitions in different weight categories. From morning eliminations through repechages to evening semi-finals and finals, the event promises an extremely dynamic sporting experience.
Last time Samokov hosted a prestigious wrestling championship was in 2021, when it hosted the European Cadet Championship. The current World Championship further solidifies the city's position as a significant center for wrestling on the international sports map.
Admission for spectators is completely free, which further encourages the local community and sports fans to be part of this large-scale sporting event.