PANAGYURISHTE, Bulgaria — Last weekend, February 14 and 15, 2026, Panagyurishte once again confirmed its status as the country’s center of martial arts. The famous Asarel Arena, rightly called the “home of all Bulgarian sambists” hosted the large-scale Bulgarian Sambo Championships.
This year’s tournament was particularly large-scale: over 400 of the strongest athletes from across the country competed for the title of best in their weight categories. The competition generated great interest not only among the sports community but also among the general public. The mayor of Panagyurishte and the leaders of the Bulgarian Sambo Federation were guests of honor at the event, praising the high level of preparation of the participants and the excellent organization of the competition.
As part of the sports festival, a specialized seminar for referees and athletes was held. The session was led by expert Ivan Netov.
Seminar participants were able to analyze complex competition situations, learn about current rule changes, and improve their skills, which is crucial for the development of sambo at the national and international levels.
The Asarel Arena provided ideal conditions for the matches, creating an atmosphere of uncompromising competition and a true sporting festival. According to the organizers, the high turnout and interest from the authorities underscore the growing popularity of sambo in Bulgaria and the excellent prospects of the national teams for the upcoming international season.
Following two days of intense competition, the winners were determined, who will form the core of the national team to represent Bulgaria on the world stage.