Deapartment of Theory of Sport Training

The Department of "Theory of Sports Training," led by Assoc. Prof. Tsvetan Zhelyazkov, was established by a decision of the Academic Council of VIF "G. Dimitrov" on November 1, 1973. It was created as the Department of "Scientific Foundations of Sports Training" under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Zhelyazkov. Specialists with extensive theoretical, methodological, and practical experience were recruited to join its team: from the Department of "Theory of Physical Education" – Senior Lecturer Maria Kvartirnikova; from the Department of "Athletics" – Senior Lecturer Janos Brogli; from the scientific center of VIF – Senior Researcher Kliment Boychev and Researcher Al. Tsvetkov; and from the Department of "Therapeutic Physical Training" (LFC) at VIF – Senior Lecturer Liliana Petkova, Ph.D.

The department also formed a division that included renowned sports specialists and athletes: N. Roberova, An. Haralampiev, N. Genov, A. Bozhichkov, among others. This division existed until 1977.

At that time, the institute's curriculum introduced two new academic disciplines: Theory and Methodology of Sports Training (TMST) and Fundamentals of Scientific Research (ONIR), which included two thematic areas – methodology and metrology of scientific research and applied statistics.

The department faced several key tasks:

• Ensuring a high level of academic process for students.
• Developing and implementing new methods and technologies in scientific research and applied activities in elite sports.
• Systematically and thoroughly studying leading global practices in elite sports and modern sports training.
• Actively participating in the development of the Olympic preparation system for Bulgarian athletes.

These core tasks, significantly expanded by the emerging needs of high-performance sports, have been addressed by the department over 50 years. The department has maintained close collaboration with specialized and general theoretical departments of the academy, the Ministry of Youth and Sports (MMS), Bulgarian sports federations, the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, and other sports institutions.

The department has been successively led by: Prof. Tsvetan Zhelyazkov, Prof. Kliment Boychev, Prof. Janos Brogli, Prof. Vasil Bachev, Prof. Daniela Dasheva, and Prof. Svilen Neykov.

Currently, faculty members conduct courses on TMST, ONIR, and SMS for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral students in the three faculties of NSA "V. Levski." They lead the master's program "Sports for High Achievements" and an independent specialization in engineering and computer technologies within SVP. The department is fundamental to the doctoral program "Theory and Methodology of Sports Science" in the professional field of 7.6. Sports.

Over its 50-year existence, the department's members have actively participated in the academy's management. Among them are Vice Rectors – Prof. Kliment Boychev, Prof. Daniela Dasheva; Deans – Prof. Tsvetan Zhelyazkov, Assoc. Prof. Maria Kvartirnikova, Assoc. Prof. Vesela Gigova; Deputy Deans – Prof. Kliment Boychev, Assoc. Prof. Liliana Petkova; and members of academic and scientific councils, including Prof. Janos Brogli, Prof. Vasil Bachev, and others. They have also been involved in educational-methodological committees and various boards such as Assoc. Prof. M. Galov, Assoc. Prof. Al. Tsvetkov, Prof. R. Damyanova, and Assoc. Prof. L. Krastev.

The presence of department faculty in the management of the National Physical Education and Sports system has been significant. Over different periods, they have held high-level positions, including Ministers of Youth and Sports – Prof. Svilen Neykov and Prof. Daniela Dasheva; Deputy Chair of BSFS and the State Committee for Physical Education and Sports – Prof. Tsvetan Zhelyazkov; heads of the Central Research Institute, its divisions, and laboratories; and leaders and members of Bulgarian sports federations, sports associations, and various central institutions.