The legend of Bulgarian and world volleyball Dimo Tonev made a donation as a gift for his birthday. On July 2 this year, he celebrates his 60th anniversary. Announced as the “Best Central Blocker in the World” for the 1990s, he parted with his bronze medal won with the men’s national team of Bulgaria at the World Volleyball Championship in France in 1986. The valuable award remains in the National Stadium Sports Museum. Vasil Levski” next to the team cup.
“It was a very difficult period for world sports in general – recalled Tonev, handing over the medal. – After the boycott of the Olympic Games in 1980, after the boycott of the Olympic Games in 1984 in Los Angeles, the World Championship in 1986 was one of the first in volleyball to gather the strongest forces in the world. Extremely big and fierce competition with the USA, USSR, Brazil, Poland and France as the host, our team fought for this medal that you see here it happened because of the guys we played with.”
The medal was handed over at a ceremony at the Sports Museum today, which was also attended by some of Tonev’s teammates from that glorious team – Petko Petkov (team captain), Nikolay Dimitrov, Lyubomir Ganev and Borislav Kyosev. In the battle for the bronze, Bulgaria defeated Brazil 3:0.
“Let this medal be here in the showcase and for future generations, and let everyone who is connected with the sport know about this success,” Tonev also pointed out.
The ceremony was attended by many figures from Bulgarian sports and volleyball, led by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Georgi Glushkov, who presented Tonev with an honorary plaque.
“It is my pleasure to be a part of today’s celebration on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of our friend and a very great athlete, and an example for the young – Dimo Tonev. The Ministry of Youth and Sports highly values his contribution in the field of sports and volleyball. In both Bulgarian and world volleyball, he has set an incredible standard wherever he has competed I wish you to be alive and healthy, happy and smiling, and to set an example in volleyball and in sports!” said Minister Glushkov.
After that, the president of the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation Lyubomir Ganev presented a painting and expressed personal thanks to Dimo Tonev, with whom they shared a room in the national team for six years.
“You will always have a place in my life. Dear friend, thank you for everything you have done for volleyball! Thank you for the moments we spent together! I am sure that you will continue to do the same now as a member of the Management I want to wish you to be alive and well! You were one of the first to show us what we should do,” said Ganev.
Tonev is a four-time champion of Bulgaria as a competitor, and has lifted the country’s cup five times. He has worn the team of the two biggest sports clubs in our country – “Levski” and CSKA. It is no coincidence that today he was respected by both camps – the president and coach of the “reds” Alexander Popov and the co-presidents of the “blues” Vladimir Nikolov and David Davidov. The chairman of OSK “Levski” – Todor Todorov, also had a gift for Tonev.
“Dear Mr. Tonev, accept my most sincere congratulations on the occasion of your anniversary. Your name is written in golden letters in the history of Levski volleyball club. You are a significant part of the greatest successes of the blue team. We are honored and We are proud to remember your remarkable career. We highly appreciate the efforts you have made in the name of our club. Be healthy and always carry the “blue” love in your heart!”, pointed out Todorov.
This moment was shared by Dimo Tonev’s family and closest friends, as well as by many other volleyball and sports figures.
“It’s easier to play volleyball,” joked Tonev, when he stood in front of everyone and thanked those present, including many people who were part of his sports journey. In his career, he also played for teams from Italy, Greece and Turkey. Among his greatest successes is winning the CEV Cup in 1991 with Sisley Treviso+ (Italy).