Sports deputy minister Andonov dies at 65

Bulgaria’s deputy minister of sports, Stoyan Andonov, has died at age 65, according to an announcement from the Bulgarian Swimming Federation. Officials described his passing as sudden and noted his lifelong commitment to advancing aquatic sports and lifesaving programs across the nation.

Andonov earned dual credentials as a swim instructor and physical education teacher when he completed studies at what was then called the Bulgarian Swimming Institute in 1983. His competitive career brought him a world championship in lifesaving events during 1981, followed by a second-place finish at the global level two years afterward. He received recognition as a master of sports and later guided Bulgaria’s men’s lifesaving squad to a European title in 1988 while serving as head coach. From 1994 forward, he chaired the national water rescue committee and held membership on the Bulgarian Red Cross council.

The National Sports Academy employed him as a faculty member in its aquatics program for 40 years. He maintained a position on the swimming federation’s governing board and worked as deputy minister for youth and sports until shortly before his death. The sports federation extended sympathies to his family and associates.