Interview with the energetic President of the Bulgarian Boxing Federation Mr. Krasimir Ininski

Mr. Krasimir Ininski is the President of the Bulgarian Boxing Federation who invested a lot of efforts to lead back his country to the golden age. Furthermore, he is the Vice-President of the Bulgarian National Olympic Committee and arranged the EUBC Junior European Boxing Championships in Sofia continuing their work to host big events.

The management of the Bulgarian Boxing Federation contains professional staff who have been organized 3-4 big international events per year since 2013. The attitude of the Bulgarian Boxing Federation is outstanding and they are one of the most experienced officials in the European continent. Mr. Krasimir Ininski summarized his experienced and came back to the questions of the European Boxing Confederation.

What does it mean for you that a European Championship returned to Sofia?

This year is challenging for everybody due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I have been following the situation in Bulgaria and abroad since the very beginning. After the end of the summer, the Bulgarian Boxing Federation was prepared to host an international event – my team and I were gathering information about statistics, restrictions and measurements, so we sent our proposal to EUBC to support boxing on all levels. Bulgarian Boxing Federation was willing to host and organize any from the scheduled in 2020 European Boxing Championships until the end of the year that must be cancelled because of the pandemic.

I strongly believe that the European boxing family will survive the current situation and that we will become even stronger and more united. For me, the Championships in the junior age is crucial for the boxers as they are in the beginning of their career and they need strong support and clear path for their future development.

The organization of this event was important for my team as well – they all put their full potential and a lot of heart and soul in their work. Carrying out the EUBC Junior European Boxing Championships lifted their spirit. Everybody was more than happy to be able to be part in this prestigious event even in the pandemic restrictions.

What were your expectations before the start of the EUBC Junior European Boxing Championships?

Both of the Bulgarian Junior National Teams, the men and women, were preparing for several weeks at the national boxing centre. Although the junior boxers were banned from joint training most of the time through 2020 as minors, their coaches completed a proper program that prepare them not only as a physical condition but also their mental state. I knew that both teams put all their efforts in the preparation. They also followed strict protocol and kept themselves safe all the times. As for the LOC, I know that the team is well experienced and can perform on a very high-end level. I followed the preparations and I was very satisfied about their professionalism.

What were your personal experiences in the EUBC Junior European Boxing Championships in Sofia?

During the whole event I was thrilled to observe the bouts and to see the devotion of all 207 boxers who took part in the EUBC Junior European Boxing Championships. I could see them strive for boxing and medals, and I was really glad that we were able to organize the championships. As Bulgarian boxers were entering the ring, I was excited about the outcome, and I followed carefully their progress so we can discuss their professional path with the coaches.

What were the strengths of the EUBC Junior European Boxing Championships in Sofia? Are you satisfied with the organization?

The LOC team performed on a really high level. They were preparing really proper for the event – from the registration process, accommodation, travel arrangements, setting up the venue, branding and media coverage to facilitating all activities regarding the national anti-COVID-19 measurements and the EUBC Protocol. We succeeded to keep the good health of all team members and officials which is a very important prospective during the pandemic. I am very proud how well they performed when the Bulgarian government put stricter restrictions during the Championships. I received good feedback from the participating countries that confirm their well-done job.

How do you see the performance of the Bulgarian junior boxers in Sofia? Did you recognize developments from your boxers?

The Bulgarian junior boxers performed well. At this age they are constantly evolving and together with the coaches we are investing and pursuing development every day. Each of them has a potential that can be improved and better achievements can be completed. I saw that all of them left their heart on the boxing ring. There are some low points but they will be used as a base for higher goals and I believe that all of them will continue their path in boxing. It was a great experience to be awarded for Best Men’s Junior Boxer for the gold medal of Kristiyan Tsvetanov (46 kg).

What do you expect from the year of 2021? What are your expectations?

In 2021 I am looking forward to the Olympic Games in Tokyo. Due to the lockdown the European Olympic Boxing Qualifying Event was stopped in its beginning so we are working on keeping the high level of the elite boxers so they can perform their very best in 2021. Nevertheless, I am expecting the Youth World Boxing Championships will be strong for us, the Bulgarian National Team has really good chances to be one of the top teams.

Together with my team, we will continue to work on events for different age groups in Bulgaria as well as promoting boxing on national and international level. Hopefully, the pandemic will be mastered but I can confirm that we will be ready to work under different circumstances.

Which will be the next international event in Bulgaria?

In the end of February 2021, the Bulgarian Boxing Federation will organize the 72^nd International Boxing Tournament STRANDJA. The invitation will be distributed shortly as we are currently working on the details of the event. Soon we will also revile the dates for the annual tournaments as the “Emil Jechev Memorial” for Men’s Youth and Junior and the “Balkan” for Women Elite and Women’s Youth boxers.

What are Bulgaria’s strategic plans for the longer future in boxing?

The Bulgarian Boxing Federation will continue to work on the development of boxing on national and international level. We are searching for better and more up-to-date ways to reach wider ranges, from young people who can pursue career in boxing to common audience that recognizes the strengths and strong sides of boxing. We have integrated also a more modern vision of our federation with redesign of our logo and communication materials and wider and more visual content on our social media. Annually, the Bulgarian Boxing Federation is participating in different public events in Bulgaria. I strongly believe that together with my team and all boxers and coaches, we will work for a brighter and more successful future.

You can follow and check all of the information, results and details about the EUBC Junior European Boxing Championships Sofia 2020 here: http://eujbc2020.bgboxing.org/