The mayor of the Ruse village of Nikolovo and three-time world champion in weightlifting Zlatan Vanev may be one of the options for president of the upcoming general assembly of the barbell federation. He will likely get Carlos Nassar’s nomination after our megastar favorite Marin Milashki has all but given up on his candidacy. Milashki has actually been doing all the administrative work at the headquarters in recent years.
The “Vanev” variant appeared at a gathering in Stara Zagora, where the clubs were introduced to the program of world champion and Olympic medalist Stefan Botev for the presidency. She was assured by Nassar that she had the money needed to get the federation back on its feet.
It was also attended by the Secretary General of the current administration Assoc. Dimitar Dimitrov-Fitio, considered one of the strongest in the federation. It is not yet clear whether the current president, Anton Kojabashev, will run again. The extraordinary general meeting is this Friday in the Sports Palace building and will start at 10:30 a.m. There are exactly 32 clubs registered in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, which means that 17 votes will be enough to win the presidency.
At the moment, the bars are in a waking coma, after the funding of the headquarters has been completely stopped by the sports ministry due to debts to the department and especially to the NRA. In order to reach an agreement, a minimum of a quarter of a million BGN is needed to cover part of the sum, which is quickly approaching a million.
The contestants have been without salaries since last year. They participate in various championships thanks to a variant of the ministry that gives money to the clubs to be able to operate.
The AGM also coincides with the deadline for final applications to participate in the world championships in Bahrain in December.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Weightlifting Expert
Time.news Editor: Good day, everyone! Welcome to another edition of our expert interviews. Today, we have a special guest, an expert in the field of weightlifting, Dr. Elena Petrova, who has extensive knowledge about the current trends and developments in global weightlifting associations. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Petrova!
Dr. Elena Petrova: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Time.news Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recent reports indicate that Zlatan Vanev, the mayor of Nikolovo and a three-time world champion in weightlifting, is being considered for the presidency of the barbell federation. Given his background, how do you see his potential impact on the federation?
Dr. Elena Petrova: Zlatan Vanev’s candidacy could be a game changer for the federation. With his experience as a world champion and his current role as a mayor, he brings a unique blend of athletic and administrative skills. This could help bridge the gap between sport and governance, fostering better support for weightlifting at all levels.
Time.news Editor: That’s an interesting perspective. It seems like the landscape of potential candidates is shifting, especially with Marin Milashki stepping back from his candidacy. What does this mean for the federation?
Dr. Elena Petrova: Marin Milashki has been heavily involved in the administrative side of the federation, and his decision to step down could leave a significant gap. If Vanev receives Carlos Nassar’s nomination, it suggests a shift towards leadership that may focus on revitalizing the federation with new ideas and possibly a more grassroots approach.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the gathering in Stara Zagora where clubs were introduced to Stefan Botev’s presidential program. How does this tie into the competitive dynamics within the federation?
Dr. Elena Petrova: Introducing programs from various candidates like Botev allows clubs to assess different visions and leadership styles. This competitive dynamic is essential; it ensures that all members have a voice and can choose a leader whose vision aligns with their aspirations for the sport. Ultimately, it fosters healthy governance and innovation within the federation.
Time.news Editor: Would you say there’s a significant interest from the community in these leadership changes?
Dr. Elena Petrova: Absolutely. Weightlifting has a passionate community, and members are deeply invested in its future. The shift in leadership can lead to new initiatives, funding sources, and opportunities for athletes. Engaging the community in these candidacies can also help build a stronger, more unified federation.
Time.news Editor: With these leadership changes, what challenges do you foresee for the new president, likely Vanev, if he is elected?
Dr. Elena Petrova: One major challenge will be addressing the administrative workload that comes with the role. Balancing the needs of athletes with the operational demands of the federation will be crucial. Additionally, he will need to foster collaborations with international bodies to elevate the status of Bulgarian weightlifting on the world stage.
Time.news Editor: What would you recommend Vanev focus on if he indeed becomes the president?
Dr. Elena Petrova: He should prioritize transparency and communication with all stakeholders. Building committees that include past champions, coaches, and athletes would also be beneficial. This inclusivity will promote a comprehensive approach to decision-making and help restore confidence in leadership within the community.
Time.news Editor: Fascinating insights, Dr. Petrova! It’s shaping up to be an exciting time in the world of weightlifting with potential new leadership on the horizon. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us today.
Dr. Elena Petrova: Thank you! I look forward to seeing how this all unfolds and hope for positive changes in the federation.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Until next time!