President Rosen Pleveneliev expressed his firm support for the cause of wrestling as an Olympic sport. At a meeting held with Nenad Lalovich, president of the International Wrestling Federation, the Head of State emphasized that wrestling is a sport with an ancient history and traditions in many countries throughout the world and must definitely remain to figure in the program of the sports included in the Summer Olympic games.
“Bulgaria is one of the tenth biggest nations in the history of wrestling and we will continue to put efforts into supporting the Olympic status of this ancient sport,” Rosen Plevneliev emphasized. In the President’s words, what is important whenever we speak about this sport, is the traditions of the nations, not the funds and the opinion ratings given by the audiences.
Nenad Lalovich, president of FILA, voiced his gratitude to the Head of State for the firm position he has adopted in support of the cause for keeping wrestling on the list of the Olympic sports. “Wrestling is not only a sport, but also a culture and an arena of the human spirit,” the president of the International Federation said. He expressed his optimism that at the session of the International Olympic Committee, due to be held on 8 September in Buenos Aires, a positive decision will be made. However, he added that extra efforts should be put to this effect.
“To achieve success, the history of wrestling should be narrated, because this is a history that brings the peoples of the world together,” President Plevneliev further added. He thanked Nenad Lalovich for his support for having the world championship in wresting for youths held, which is due to take place in Sofia until 18 August.
Valentin Yordanov, president of the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation, and Tseno Tsenov, president of the European Wrestling Association (CELA), also attended the meeting.