Semen Novikov

Semen Novikov and Magomed Ramazanov, the Olympic champions from Paris, have returned to Bulgaria. The athletes arrived at Sofia Airport to a warm welcome from relatives, friends, and enthusiastic supporters. Novikov, who won gold in classical wrestling in the up to 87 kg category, expressed his disbelief and gratitude for the support he received from fellow Bulgarians.

Around 70,000 spectators gathered at the Stade de France to witness the closing of the 33rd Summer Olympic Games in Paris. The ceremony began in the Tuileries Gardens, where the Olympic flame had been placed during the Games. France's swimming sensation, Leon Marchand, took the flame from the Gardens with a lantern and made his way to the Stade de France, marking the start of the event.

Magomed Ramazanov secured Bulgaria's third Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games, defeating the renowned Iranian wrestler Hassan Yazdanicharati in the freestyle wrestling competition in the 86 kg category.

"I hope I've brought a lot of joy to the Bulgarian people. I know Bulgaria has a strong appreciation for Russians, but I hope they will also come to appreciate Ukrainians," said Semen Novikov, the Ukrainian-born wrestler who clinched Bulgaria's first Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games.

After 24 years, Bulgaria has secured another Olympic champion in wrestling. Semen Novikov claimed the gold medal in Greco-Roman wrestling in the 87 kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, defeating Alireza Azizkhoon Mohmadipiani with a dominant 7-0 victory in the final.

Magomed Ramazanov secured his place in the final of the Olympic freestyle wrestling tournament in the 86 kg category at the Paris 2024 Games with a dramatic last-second victory over American wrestler Aaron Marquel Brooks, finishing with a score of 4-3.

Bulgaria's Semen Novikov has advanced to the semifinals of the Olympic Games in Paris after securing his second victory for the day. The 2020 European champion defeated Lasha Gobadze from Georgia, earning a spot in the final rounds.

A Russian and a Ukrainian have officially received permission from the International Wrestling Federation (UWW) and will represent Bulgaria.