The Head of State, Rumen Radev, presented the President's Honorary Plaque for outstanding achievements in the development of Bulgarian sport to the Bulgarian national under-19 women's volleyball team. The award recognises the world title won by the Bulgarian players in their age group a few days ago.

"I am delighted to hear that you are already dreaming of an Olympic title. Rest assured that we will support you in every way to make your dream come true,' Rumen Radev told BTA. He added that he had seen a class of young children eagerly taking pictures with the national team. 'Today, the world is yours, and you are already idols for thousands of Bulgarian children,' the President added.

At a ceremony held in the Granite Hall of the Council of Ministers, Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Zafirov awarded the Bulgarian volleyball players and the Bulgarian Volleyball Federation. On behalf of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov and the entire government, he congratulated the players, describing their title as a historic success.

'On behalf of the team, I would like to express our gratitude. It is a great honour and responsibility for us to defend the Bulgarian flag. We are delighted that we were able to do so in the best possible way," said team captain Viktoria Ninova.