Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Renowned Bulgarian basketball coach Ivan Kolev passes away

Photo: BGNES

Great Bulgarian coach Ivan Kolev passed away today at the age of 87, BFBasketball has reported. In his native town of Botevgrad, Ivan Kolev turned basketball from a game of entertainment into the most incredible sports spectacle for the small Bulgarian town, which remains captivated by basketball to this day.

In 1970 Kolev won the Bulgarian Cup with the Balkan team. Four years later - in 1974, he won the championship title. For several years Ivan Kolev was also the coach of the men's national team of Bulgaria. He also achieved great success with the team winning bronze medals at the World Cup in Colombia.

People could say farewell on Thursday, August 13, 10.30 am, in the new church in Botevgrad.




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

European and world champion with volleyball team of Bulgaria continues her career in the USA

"Welcome to The U, Denitsa 🙌. From Bulgaria, the middle blocker joins us for the fall of 2026!" - with these words the volleyball club of the University of Miami welcomed its new addition - Bulgarian Denitsa Angelova. She won the..

published on 11/14/25 4:49 PM

Nikola Tsolov to make debut in Formula 2 in Qatar

Bulgarian racing driver Nikola Tsolov is to make his debut before the end of the season in Formula 2, his team Campos Racing has announced. He will take part in the last two rounds for the year in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. Bulgaria's racing..

published on 11/12/25 10:49 AM
Photo (left to right): Boryana Kaleyn, BOC President Vesela Lecheva and BOC Athletes' Commission Chair Maria Grozdeva.

Boryana Kaleyn vies for the EOC Athletes' Commission

The Olympic silver medalist in rhythmic gymnastics from the Paris Games and 2023 European champion Boryana Kaleyn  is the Bulgarian candidate for member of the Athletes’ Commission of the European Olympic Committee. The elections will be held during..

published on 11/12/25 9:05 AM