Two weeks after being officially honored as Athlete No. 2 of the National Sports Academy “Vasil Levski” for 2025, Viktor Merazov achieved another outstanding success by becoming a world champion in karate. At the tournament of the World Kyokushin Federation (KWF), held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the fourth-year student of the National Sports Academy claimed the gold medal in kumite, up to 75 kg.
Merazov’s success is the result of many years of focused work, discipline, and dedication to martial arts. During a specially organized meeting, the Rector of the National Sports Academy, Prof. Krasimir Petkov, congratulated the world champion and expressed his appreciation for the high level at which Merazov represents both the Academy and Bulgarian sport on the international stage.
Viktor Merazov expressed his gratitude to his first coach Krasimir Iliev in Gabrovo, as well as to the national coaches Zahari Damyanov, Petar Martinov, and Zhivko Andreev. He also extended special thanks to his coach in Sofia, Dragostin Valkanov, and to his lecturer at the Sports Academy, Assoc. Prof. Radoslav Penov, who has made a significant contribution to his athletic and professional development.
In addition to the world title and the recognition from the National Sports Academy, Viktor Merazov received several prestigious awards from his club SC “Fighters – NSA”. He was personally awarded by Assoc. Prof. Radoslav Penov with first place in the category “Athlete of SC ‘Fighters – NSA’ for 2025 – Kyokushin Karate.” Furthermore, Merazov was also honored with an award for contribution to the development of SC “Fighters – NSA” for 2025, presented on the occasion of the club’s 15th anniversary.
Viktor Merazov is a competitor of SC “Fighters – NSA” and continues to be a role model for young athletes through his achievements, professionalism, and dedication, firmly establishing his name among the most successful Bulgarian karate practitioners at world level. At the same time, he is already passing on his experience and knowledge by leading a Kyokushin karate training group at the National Sports Academy, actively contributing to the development of the next generation of competitors.
