By tkdclan 
One of the largest and most prestigious taekwondo tournaments in Europe – the 10th President’s Cup – was successfully held in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, proving once again why it holds such a significant place in the European taekwondo calendar. Over the course of three action-packed days, more than 1,500 athletes from across Europe and the world competed across three age categories: cadets, juniors, and seniors. The tournament was ranked G/E3, offering vital ranking points for athletes chasing qualification for upcoming European and World Championships.
The event schedule was divided by age: on May 15, junior athletes took the stage; May 16 was reserved for cadets; while the final day, May 17, featured elite-level senior fighters. Matches ran from early morning until late in the evening, with a consistently high level of technical skill and competitiveness. The entire event was broadcast live on Bulgarian national television, which aired some of the finals each evening, allowing thousands of taekwondo fans to follow the action in real time. The official livestream was managed by Restrike, while the matches used the Daedo Gen 3 electronic scoring system.
The opening ceremony was held in grand fashion, attended by Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister Mr. Atanas Zafirov, as well as the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bulgaria. These high-profile guests further underscored the tournament’s importance not only in sporting terms but also as a cultural and diplomatic occasion. The professionalism and experience of the Bulgarian Taekwondo Federation were evident throughout, ensuring smooth organization at every level.
The junior division on the first day set the tone, featuring more than 500 competitors battling not just for medals, but for direct qualification to the upcoming European Junior Championships, scheduled for November 19–21 in Aigle, Switzerland. The atmosphere was electric, filled with energy, ambition, and high expectations, as young athletes gave their all in pursuit of European glory.
🏆 Top junior teams:
🥇 Federacion Balear Taekwondo
🥈 Individual Neutral Athlete
🥉 Sc Ahil
On the second day, the spotlight shifted to the cadet division. Many of the athletes had just returned from the World Cadet Championships recently held in Fujairah, UAE, bringing fresh momentum and global experience. Among them were newly crowned world champions whose performances drew special attention. Interviews with some of them will soon be published on our website and social media channels. The cadets impressed with their bravery, fighting spirit, and technical maturity beyond their years.
🏆 Top cadet teams:
🥇 Istanbul Buyuksehİr Beledİye Spor Kulubu
🥈 Hankuk International School
🥉 A.s. Atlantas Prosotsanis
The third day of 10th President’s Cup belonged to the senior division, where the elite of European and international taekwondo put their skills on full display. Spectators witnessed outstanding performances by top athletes such as Aleksandra Perišić from Serbia, Olympic silver medalist in the -67kg category, and Vito Dell’Aquila from Italy, world champion in Guadalajara 2023. and European champion from Belgrade 2024., making a highly anticipated return to competition. The tournament also featured Simone Alessio, 2023 world champion, Nikolaos Psarros from Greece in the -54kg division, and Sarah Chaari from Belgium, Olympic bronze medalist in the -73kg category. Their presence, and presence of all other top level athletes elevated the level of competition and drew widespread attention from fans and media.
🏆 Top senior teams:
🥇 Individual Neutral Athlete
🥈 Turkiye National Team
🥉 Italy National Team
Refereeing throughout the tournament was fair, professional, and consistent, earning praise from coaches, athletes, and spectators alike. No major controversies were reported, which speaks volumes about the quality of officiating and the organization as a whole.
The overall impression of the event is overwhelmingly positive. The Bulgarian Taekwondo Federation once again proved its capacity to host major international events with excellence. Sofia reaffirmed itself as a city capable of delivering world-class sporting experiences for both participants and spectators.
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