Dimcho Pilichev donated copies of trophies from "Atletico" (Madrid) to the National Sports Academy

Dimcho Pilichev, an alumnus of the National Sports Academy "Vasil Levski," donated copies of trophies from the football team "Atletico" (Madrid), won during the period 2008-2023, to the Educational and Olympic Center with a museum. Pilichev, who is from the Class of 1978 of the NSA, worked for 15 years at the Spanish giant. Initially, he was part of the club's conditioning coaches group, and later he became the host of the first team starting in 2012.

"I had incredible experiences and encounters at the great club 'Atletico.' I traveled everywhere with the team since Diego Simeone was introduced as head coach on December 23, 2011. That’s why, as a team member, I received copies of all the cups won by 'Atletico' until 2023, as well as the two championship medals from 2014 and 2021. I believe that the place for these valuable replicas of the trophies (I keep the medals for myself) is at the National Sports Academy, which has given me so much…”

Before making the donation, Pilichev was received by Assoc. Prof. Hristo Andonov, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs. Assoc. Prof. Emil Atanasov, Dean of the Faculty of Sports, was also present at the meeting.

“It is very nice and indicative that the alumni of the National Sports Academy never forget where they came from, and many of them return to the NSA for one reason or another. Just like Dimcho Pilichev did now with gratitude,” stated Assoc. Prof. Andonov.

“I have an idea to help establish active contacts between the specialists at 'Atletico' and the NSA and Bulgarian football. I am convinced that we will certainly benefit from such cooperation,” said Pilichev.

In addition to the two titles (2014, 2021) during the period 2008-2023 when Pilichev worked at the club, "Atletico" won the UEFA Europa League three times (2010, 2012, 2018), played and lost finals in the UEFA Champions League twice (2014, 2016), lifted the Copa del Rey (2013), and the UEFA Super Cup (2018).