The rector of NSA met with the president of the European Hockey Federation

The rector of the National Sports Academy, Prof. Krasimir Petkov, held a working meeting with a delegation from the European Hockey Federation (EuroHockey), led by president Markos Hoffman.

Among the topics of discussion was the Strategic Plan for the Development of Field Hockey, presented by representatives of the Bulgarian Field Hockey Federation (BFHF): Jörg Schenk - Chairman, Prof. Antonio Antonov - Executive Director and leading lecturer in the field at NSA, Dimitri Dubuisson - Project and Development Manager, as well as Tom Smith - Strategy and Development Manager at the European Hockey Federation.

The Strategic Plan reflects the key goals of the European Federation for the development of hockey throughout the Southeastern Europe region for the next eight years, explained EuroHockey president Markos Hoffman. He emphasized that the European headquarters has explored opportunities in six countries in the region and considers Bulgaria to be an extremely important partner, precisely because of the National Sports Academy. "There are only a few places in Europe that have a national center for sports education with the level and prestige of the National Sports Academy," stated President Hoffman. This underscores the European Federation's desire to enhance its partnership with Bulgaria by establishing an educational center for hockey at NSA, which, as part of the European Institute for Training Professionals under EuroHockey, would cover the training of specialists from Southeastern Europe.

The prospect of holding high-level international competitions at NSA was also discussed, should a field hockey facility be built that meets modern requirements. Of course, coordinated efforts from NSA, BFHF, and state support will be necessary for this undertaking.

NSA rector Prof. Krasimir Petkov expressed gratitude for the trust shown towards NSA and declared support for the delegation's proposals. He announced that a new multifunctional hall is to be constructed at NSA, which could also be used for hockey.

Participants from NSA in the discussions included: Assoc. Prof. Emil Atanasov - Dean of the Faculty of Sport, Assoc. Prof. Vera Antonova - Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Antonio Antonov and leading lecturer in the field at NSA and Executive Director of BFHF, Prof. Lozan Mitev - Head of the Educational and Olympic Center, and Assoc. Prof. Stefka Jobova - Head of the Competence Center for Sports, Adapted Physical Activity, and Educational Technologies.

At the end of the visit, the delegation toured the Educational and Olympic Center, where the president of the European Federation, Markos Hoffman, recorded his excellent impressions in a special book, describing the Academy as a "beacon of knowledge and scientific research in sports science." The BFHF also made a donation to the Center – a jersey from Pol Amat (Spain), recognized by the International Federation as the best hockey player of 2008.