Historic win: Bulgaria takes the gold at the European Badminton Championship

Bulgaria won a historic first title at the European Women’s Team Badminton Championship in Istanbul, Turkey.

The national team, led by Petya Nedelcheva, defeated the favorites Denmark 3–1 in the final. This is Bulgaria’s first gold medal and overall third medal in the history of the women’s team event, as well as the first distinction in ten years after the silver in 2016 and the bronze in 2014. In addition, Bulgaria secured participation in the Women’s World Team Badminton Championship, which will be held in Denmark at the end of April.

In the singles matches, Kaloyana Nalbantova defeated Line Kjaersfeldt 21:8, 20:22, 16:21 after an hour on court, after which Stefani Stoeva overcame Mia Blichfeldt 22:20, 21:13 in 36 minutes of play.

Denmark reduced the deficit after Line Christophersen prevailed over Gergana Pavlova 21:9, 21:4.

In doubles, the five-time European champions Gabriela Stoeva and Stefani Stoeva had no problems against Amalie Cecilie Kudsk and Amalie Schulz and, after 21:11, 21:9 in 28 minutes, brought the title to the Bulgarian team.

The team includes Stefani and Gabriela Stoeva, Kaloyana Nalbantova, Gergana Pavlova, Tsvetina Popivanova, Elena Popivanova, and at the last moment Maria Mitsova also joined the team.

Edited  by R. Petkova