BTA: Bulgaria Wins Historic First Women’s European Team Badminton Title

Bulgaria claimed a historic first title at the European Women’s Team Badminton Championship in Istanbul, Turkiye. Led by captain Petya Nedelcheva, the Bulgarian team defeated favourites Denmark 3-1 in the Sunday final.

The triumph marks Bulgaria’s first gold medal and third overall medal in the history of the women’s team event, and the first in ten years, following silver in 2016 and bronze in 2014. The result also secures Bulgaria’s participation in the Women’s World Team Badminton Championship, which will be held in Denmark at the end of April. Bulgaria’s women’s badminton team qualified for the final after a strong 3-1 victory over host nation Turkiye in the semifinals on Saturday.

Here is what the members of the Bulgarian team told BTA after the historic win:

Stefani Stoeva: "It certainly was not easy in all the matches I played, as there was tension and the victories were important for the team. Team championships are some of the toughest, as we all have to give our best on the court. Perhaps the most difficult match for me was against Turkiye in the semifinals against Ozge Bayrak, because I knew it was important that I had to win. But when I saw Kaloyana win her singles match, it gave me the confidence that I could do the same. The feeling is unique, especially when we are team champions, because this is our first gold for the Bulgarian team. Petya made an excellent decision to bring us all together in one team and motivate us to fight for one goal, and that was the gold medal."

Gabriela Stoeva: "This time the feeling is different because it was a team championship and we really wanted to perform well. No one imagined that we would win the medals, first beating some of the best teams such as France and Turkiye, and finally Denmark. The feeling is unique! Now I hope to play very well with my sister and fight for the European title. It will be a tough season, we will prepare very well and give our all on the court."

Gergana Pavlova: "It is incredible, I do not even know how to describe it. This has never happened to me before - my first European championship and first place. I am happy that I fought to the end and gave it my all, even more than that, and I think that absolutely all of us did."

Kaloyana Nalbantova: "It feels great, especially when you beat a team like Denmark in the final. It was a tough battle, which makes it even sweeter. Here you play against the top players in the women's competition. I became European champion in the under-19s, which for me is the greatest success in the junior competition, but now in the women's competition it is different. In the near future, I hope to continue my success. On a personal level, I fight in every tournament and give my best. My main goal is the European Championships in April. I hope to perform at my best and, God willing, win a medal or at least reach the quarterfinals."

Tsvetina Popivanova: "This is the first time we have achieved such success, and I hope to defend the title next time."