On July 1 in Sofia a large charity cadet sambo tournament was held in memory of honored master of sports, honored coach Ivan Doktorov.
The tournament was organized by Bulgarian Sambo Association (BSA) and supported by Bulgarian Sambo Federation.
About 150 boys and girls from 5 countries took part in the tournament: Greece, Northern Macedonia, Moldova, Cyprus and Bulgaria. Financial expenses for the stay of foreign teams were covered by organizers of the tournament — ABS. The host country Bulgaria represented the Sambians from 10 clubs.
The tournament is named in honor of Ivan Doktorov, ZMS (Master of Sport), who died unexpectedly in 2021. European champion since 1976. in Leningrad and multiple world champion among veterans. Ivan Doktorov was a co-founder and permanent member of ABS and a passionate supporter of Bulgarian Sambo.
The official guests of the tournament were relatives of Ivan Doctorov, Mr. Rosen Dimitrov — chairman of Bulgarian Sambo Federation (BFS), Mr. George Yusev — member of Executive Committee of European Sambo Federation, Mr. Alexander Gavrilenkov — executive director of Sambo Federation of Moscow region, , president of Moldavian Sambo Federation — Mr. Iuli Peatikov. Sambo Federation, Mr. Erdal Fakic, President of Macedonian Sambo Federation, Mr. Mirman Iliadis from Greece Sambo Federation, Mr. Lukas Papalouka from Cyprus Sambo Federation, Mr. Nikolay Natchev from Ihtiman municipality, and also many world and European Sambo champions from Bulgaria.
At the opening ceremony of the tournament Mr. Dimitar Dimitrov — Chairman of ABS and a close friend of Ivan Doktorov made a speech, in which he spoke about the meaning and priorities of the charity tournament. He pointed out that the sport should be managed by worthy and valuable people who can be an example to teenagers, and Ivan Doctorov was such a person. Mr. Dimitrov also pointed out the problems of Bulgarian Sambo that need to be worked on.
A representative of the municipality of Ihtiman, the birthplace of Ivan Doktorov, also spoke.
On behalf of ABS, Mr. Dimitar Dimitrov presented honorary plaques to Mrs. Bozidara Doktorova — the widow of the patron of the tournament, as well as to the mayor of Ihtiman municipality, who had financially supported the event.
The grand opening ceremony, in which the vocal group “Candy” took part for charity, made a great furore. Special attention was paid to the performances of the sports club for children with disabilities and low-income people “SOP, Sports and Sambo for Development” with the coach Emil Neshev. His rivals competed with each other and deservedly received medals and great applause from the audience.
At the tournament were also awarded two cups “Ivan Doctors” for the most technical participants.
The event was also a great celebration for all famous sambists of the 70’s and 80’s. They were the guests of honor, introduced by name and occupying a special place in the hall. Each of them wore a ribbon bearing the inscription “Legend”. In this way, a continuity was established between the young men on the mat and the titular names before whose eyes they wrestled. 
On the second day of the tournament a master class for the tournament participants was held in the “Sofia” hall under the auspices and guidance of Mr. Dimitar Dimitrov.
The presidents of the foreign federations expressed their gratitude for the free participation and the excellent conditions in which the competition took place. All were very satisfied with the event and stated that they will look forward to the second Ivan Doctorov tournament next year.