A champion’s spirit, discipline, and many medals: Rakan Rahbani met with the young karateka at the “Friendship” Eastern Fighting Arts Sports Club in Pirdop

The training hall of the “Friendship” Eastern Fighting Arts Club, in Pirdop was filled with energy, sportsmanship, and inspiration during a meeting between Rakan Rahbani, CEO of Aurubis Bulgaria, and the young karateka who, through their perseverance and talent, are making Pirdop one of the most recognizable names in Bulgarian Shotokan karate.

As a sign of respect for their long - time partner, the competitors presented techniques from the Shotokan karate style and competition disciplines, demonstrating discipline, concentration, and excellent preparation.

Rakan Rahbani congratulated the young athletes and emphasized that the true value of sports is measured not only by medals, but by the character it builds - “Be proud of yourselves. Every practice, every competition, every victory, and even every challenge makes you stronger. Medals are important, but discipline, respect, perseverance, and the ability to work as a team will stay with you for the rest of your lives.”

The executive director thanked coach Resmi Bobev for his dedication to the development of young athletes: “Behind every successful athlete stands a dedicated coach who inspires, motivates, and believes in every child’s potential.” I would like to thank Coach Resmi Bobev and the entire Friendship Club team for creating an environment in which young people grow into confident, disciplined, and successful individuals.”

In 2025, the club strengthened its position among the most successful Shotokan karate schools in Bulgaria. Its competitors represented the country as part of the national team at the European Championships in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, as well as at the World Championships and World Cup in Będzin, Poland, from which they returned with multiple medals and top finishes. The club also actively participates in the national sports calendar, delivering excellent performances at the national championships, the National Cup, and the international tournaments “Ippon Open Cup,” “Shiseikan,” and “Max Cup,” as well as in a number of technical seminars and camps organized by the Bulgarian Shotokan Karate Federation.

Today, between 50 and 60 children - mostly between the ages of 6 and 14 - train regularly at the club, and their successes are the result of consistent coaching, parental support, and strong partnerships.

The club has a busy sports schedule ahead in the second half of 2026. The athletes will represent Pirdop at the National Shotokan Karate Cup in Gabrovo, at an international tournament in Bucharest, at the World Championships in Italy, as well as at several other national tournaments by the end of the year. Dozens of the club’s members are expected to participate in these prestigious competitions and once again uphold the good name of Bulgaria and Pirdop.

Alongside the athletes’ training, coach Resmi Bobev continues his professional development. At the end of the year, he will travel to Japan, where he will take an exam for a higher rank (Dan) - another step in the improvement of his knowledge and skills, which he passes on to young karateka every day.

On behalf of the club, coach Resmi Bobev expressed his gratitude for more than ten years of trust and support: “For us, the support of ‘Aurubis Bulgaria’ means much more than a financial donation. It gives children the opportunity to participate in European and world championships, to compete against the best, and to dream big. Every achievement is the result of hard work, but also of the confidence that we have partners behind us who believe in young people.”

Support for the “Friendship” Eastern Fight Arts Club is part of Aurubis Bulgaria’s long-term policy of investing in sports and the development of young people in the Srednogorie region. The company supports all sports clubs in the municipality of Pirdop every year because it believes that sports instill discipline, respect, responsibility, and a drive for success. Promoting sports for children and youth is one of the long-term priorities in the company’s social policy and an important part of its long - term commitment to the local community.