Bulgaria`s U19 girls` volleyball team, after their historic victory at the 2025 FIVB World Championship in Croatia and Serbia, has been celebrating their unprecedented success with days of festivities across the nation. This marked Bulgaria`s first-ever world champion title in any women`s team sport, leading to a truly heroic welcome for these young athletes from fans, media, and officials nationwide.
Among the many accolades, the President of the Republic, Rumen Radev, extended a special reception for the U19 world champions on Thursday. During the event, he presented them with the Honorary Plaque of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, an award reserved for outstanding contributions to the development of Bulgarian sports.
“Thank you for the incredible moments you`ve given the entire Bulgarian nation, for your unstoppable drive and dedication! I am confident your achievements will inspire thousands of Bulgarian parents to dream and seek opportunities for their children on the volleyball courts, rather than just in social networks. It is a great pleasure to welcome you back to the presidential institution.”
He also noted that exactly one year prior, the team was honored for their 2024 CEV U18 Women’s Volleyball European Championship title.
“A year ago, you stood here with heads held high, confident and dreaming of even greater success, with courage in your eyes to face the best. Today, in those same eyes, I see immense pride and satisfaction, not just from the world title, but from having showcased the true Bulgarian spirit and character to the world. You demonstrated the strength of a united team and a profound understanding of the game, qualities seen only in the biggest stars of volleyball. This is a monumental achievement, and the responsibilities that come with it are equally significant. Rest assured, we will support you fully in realizing your dreams.”
Addressing the coaches, parents, and representatives of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation, Radev extended his thanks: “Thank you for the wonderful Bulgarian volleyball training, for nurturing this new generation, and for leading them to the pinnacle of success with such professionalism, confidence, and faith in their talent.”
Viktoria Ninova, the 17-year-old captain and Best Libero of the U19 World Championship, expressed her team`s sentiment: “It is a tremendous honor and responsibility for us to represent Bulgaria, and we are overjoyed to have done so in the best possible way.”
The day prior, the volleyball heroines also received a standing ovation from the Bulgarian parliament, where they were welcomed by National Assembly Chairwoman Nataliya Kiselova.
Their triumphant return on Monday saw the U19 world champions arrive at Sofia airport, followed by a visit to the Hristo Botev volleyball hall. There, they were greeted by throngs of enthusiastic sports fans, media, federation officials, and volleyball legends, all celebrating their historic achievement. This special ceremony honoring the “young Lionesses” was also graced by the presence of National Assembly Chairwoman Nataliya Kiselova and Bulgarian Olympic Committee President Vessela Letcheva.
Oliver Wrenwick 
Finley Blackwood