By tkdclan 
One of the oldest taekwondo tournaments in Bulgaria, Dupnica Open, took a significant step forward this year. Dupnica Open 2025 was awarded E2 ranking status for the first time. The tournament gathered athletes from 12 countries, with around 800 registered participants, making it one of the largest events in the regional taekwondo calendar.
This year’s event featured two parallel competitions – a standard international tournament and an E2-ranked tournament, offering athletes additional opportunities to gain points and international experience.
Head coach of Taekwondo Club “Gladiator”, Hristo Mihalchev, emphasized the importance of this year’s edition:
“Dupnica Open is one of the oldest tournaments in Bulgaria. This year, for the first time, it has an E2 ranking. We have participants from 12 countries, with around 800 registered athletes. I’m satisfied with the organization – many competitors came, the fights are good, and I hope the tournament will grow even stronger next year.”
From the officiating side, the event ran smoothly and professionally. Dimitar Dimitrov, the tournament’s head referee, praised both the athletes and the referees:
“The tournament was very successful. It was passed without any serious issues or complaints. I’m satisfied with the performance of all the referees and all the athletes, of course.”
He also pointed out that the tournament served as a test event for the upcoming Balkan Championship and Balkan Cup G1, which will be held in the same town:
“It was a real test event for the upcoming Balkan Championship and Balkan Cup G1, which will be organized in the same town in the period 16 to 19 of October.”
Finally, Dimitrov extended a warm invitation to all interested athletes:
“All of the athletes that want to be part of these tournaments, you’re welcome. We will host an amazing tournament.”
With excellent organization, strong international participation, and exciting plans for the fall, Dupnica Open 2025. continues to grow into one of the most important taekwondo events in the region.
Find photos from this event in our Gallery section of the website.
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