Mayor Pencho Milkov opened the first Open Judo Tournament "Kano - Ruse 2025"
Sunday, 02 November 2025
The Mayor of Ruse Municipality Pencho Milkov today kicked off the first Open Judo Tournament "Kano - Ruse 2025", organized by the sports club of the same name. The event, held in the "Dunav" hall, brought together over 300 young judokas from 19 clubs from all over the country. They compete in different age categories - from the youngest 4-5 years old to 15-year-old boys and girls.
In his welcome speech, the mayor emphasized that the tournament unites young athletes, full of energy, will and the desire to win. "I look at you, young wrestlers, and I see determination in your eyes, passion in your hearts and a willingness to give your all. It is moments like these that make us proud! You are proof that with hard work, faith in yourself and the support of your coaches and families, any goal is achievable," said Milkov. He thanked the organizers for their efforts and wished the club's chairman, Sensei Plamen Georgiev, that this prestigious tournament would become a tradition for Ruse.
Among the official guests at the opening were Hristo Maev - Secretary General of the Bulgarian Judo Federation, PhD. Rositsa Georgieva - Head of the Regional Department of Education, Lachezar Ivanov - Director of ME "Sports Properties", the Director of the Sports School Evgeni Nedev, as well as masters of sports, multiple champions of Bulgaria, honored coaches and former judo competitors. A musical greeting to the audience was presented by the 6-year-old bagpiper Alexander Kaloyan Kolev, and Daria Stefanova performed the national anthem of Bulgaria.
“Organizing such a tournament is a real challenge – it takes a lot of time, effort and resources. That is why I would like to express my immense gratitude to the Municipality of Ruse, the Bulgarian Judo Federation and local businesses for their support. Together we have proven that when there is desire and unity, things happen,” said Sensei Georgiev at the opening.
The competition is held in 65 categories. 65 gold, 65 silver and 120 bronze medals have been prepared for the winners. This year the tournament will take place over one day, and the organizers’ ambition is for it to acquire international status in the next edition and be in a two-day format, covering all age groups.
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