19th International Freestyle Wrestling Tournament “Ivan Krastev and Petko Dermendzhiev”
19th International Freestyle Wrestling Tournament “Ivan Krastev and Petko Dermendzhiev”
On Saturday, October 31, 2026, Diana Sports Hall in Yambol will host the 19th International Freestyle Wrestling Tournament, held in memory of distinguished Bulgarian wrestlers Ivan Krastev and Petko Dermendzhiev.
The competition will welcome young athletes from five countries: Bulgaria, Georgia, Moldova, Türkiye and North Macedonia.
Children, boys and girls, cadets and junior wrestlers will compete across different age groups and weight categories.
Honouring Two Legends of Yambol Wrestling
The tournament pays tribute to two outstanding athletes who made lasting contributions to Bulgarian wrestling.
Ivan Krastev won a bronze medal at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games and was named Yambol's Athlete of the Year that same year. After retiring from competition, he continued his career as a coach, helping develop generations of talented wrestlers.
Petko Dermendzhiev competed at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games and won medals at the 1962 World Championships in Toledo and the 1963 World Championships in Sofia. His achievements as both an athlete and a coach helped shape Yambol's wrestling tradition.
Tournament Schedule
Friday, October 30, 2026
6:00–6:30 PM – Competitor weigh-in.
Saturday, October 31, 2026
8:30–9:00 AM – Competitor weigh-in.
10:00 AM – Tournament begins.
All activities will take place at Diana Sports Hall in Yambol.
Wrestling for a Good Cause
During the tournament, Pierre de Coubertin Sports School will organize a charity bazaar in support of Boril, a young boy diagnosed with osteosarcoma.
Visitors will have an opportunity to support both the young athletes and this charitable initiative.
Visitor Information
Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Start time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Diana Sports Hall, Yambol
The tournament will bring together young wrestling talents from five countries, offering spectators an opportunity to experience an international sporting competition.
