Yoanna Dafinkchieva, Viktor Vasilev and Viktor Merazov became world kyokushin karate champions in Saudi Arabia.
The Bulgarian national kyokushin karate team won a total of three world titles, two silver medals and four bronze medals at the World Championship held in Saudi Arabia in mid-December.
“This is a huge responsibility. After this victory, we become role models for younger athletes and for people our own age. We must continue to train hard and maintain proper behavior both in the gym and outside of it,” said world kyokushin karate champion Yoanna Dafinkchieva (girls, 16–17, -50 kg) in an interview for the morning show Bulgaria Morning.
Victory Comes After Great Effort
“After three victories, I managed to win this trophy. It is the result of many years of work and dedicated preparation,” said world kyokushin karate champion Viktor Merazov (men, 18–21, -75 kg) to Bulgaria ON AIR.
“The gold medal came after four bouts against very well-prepared opponents. You can only win through hard work and extensive training. In addition to training in the gym, you must lead a disciplined lifestyle outside of it as well,” noted world kyokushin karate champion Viktor Vasilev (boys, 16–17, -60 kg) on air.
Diet and Long Hours of Training
According to Dafinkchieva, preparation is extremely demanding. “Two training sessions a day—morning and evening—since I attend school the rest of the time. Training lasts about one to two hours. The diet was quite strict. I had to avoid pastries, fatty, fried and sugary foods. If consumed at all, it had to be in very small amounts,” the athlete explained.
The athletes manage to balance high-performance training in the gym with their education at school and university.
“Training runs smoothly—we listen and execute. As for nutrition, it’s all about clean food. Just as I am responsible and dedicated in sport, I approach my education in the same way,” commented Viktor Merazov, a student at the National Sports Academy.
“I didn’t have to train twice a day, but I did have to reduce my food intake, especially unhealthy food, to lose a few kilograms for my category. It’s challenging to combine school and sport, but with good time management, it’s achievable,” explained Viktor Vasilev.
Awards and Recognition Continue
The talented athletes received further recognition upon returning home. Yoanna Dafinkchieva was awarded a financial bonus by the Sofia Municipality for her world title in Saudi Arabia. Viktor Vasilev received a commemorative plaque and an honorary certificate from the Mayor of Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, while Viktor Merazov was named Kyokushin Athlete No. 1 for 2025 and received a contribution award from the “Fighters” Sports Club at the National Sports Academy.
The full interview with the young sporting prospects from the Bulgarian national kyokushin karate team is available on the website of Bulgaria ON AIR television.
