The international Taekwondo community bids farewell to Slavi Binev, President of the Bulgarian Taekwondo Federation, Vice President of the European Taekwondo Union (ETU), and a World Taekwondo (WT) Council Member, who passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2026, aged 60.

His career brought together experience as an athlete, coach, and sports administrator. From Bulgaria to the governing structures of European and international Taekwondo, Binev contributed to decisions and projects supporting the sport’s development.

A Decade Leading Bulgarian Taekwondo

Binev had led the Bulgarian federation since 2016 and was re-elected in May 2026 for another five-year term. During his presidency, the country achieved a historic milestone: its first Olympic Taekwondo medal, won by Kimia Alizadeh at Paris 2024.

His responsibilities also extended to European and global governance. Elected to the World Taekwondo Council in 2025, he held positions across three levels of the sport’s leadership: the national federation, the continental union, and the international federation.

In a statement, the Bulgarian Taekwondo Federation remembered him as a president, leader, teacher, and friend. It highlighted his dedication to developing the sport and helping young people grow, while extending condolences to his family and loved ones.

His Voice in MASTKD: Developing People and Connecting Generations

In his conversations with MASTKD during 2026, Binev repeatedly emphasized that Taekwondo’s value should extend beyond competitive results.

In an interview published on February 28 during the Bulgaria Open, he explained that an athletic career represents only one stage of life, while the lessons learned through Taekwondo should remain long after competition ends.

Binev: “Taekwondo doesn’t end with medals; it teaches you to become someone”

He advocated developing people capable of contributing to their communities and stressed the importance of offering younger generations a purpose beyond winning medals.

Describing his personal motivation, he told MASTKD:

“I never do anything if it’s not in my heart. I can work 24/7 without getting tired.”

That conversation also reflected his concern for connecting generations and creating an environment in which children, young athletes, and adults could find a sense of belonging through Taekwondo.

Education, Identity, and International Ambition

The same philosophy emerged in another exclusive MASTKD interview, published on February 1.

Taekwondo is not just sport: Slavcho “Slavi” Binev stands for education, culture, discipline, and values ahead of Bulgaria Open 2026

Binev identified education, culture, discipline, and values as essential elements of Taekwondo. He believed sporting progress should be supported by strong structures, meaningful backing for clubs and coaches, and a community that preserved its martial arts roots.

In January, while discussing the Bulgaria Open’s objectives with MASTKD, he outlined a long-term ambition: establishing Sofia as an international Taekwondo destination through organizational continuity, better conditions for visiting delegations, and improvements from one edition to the next.

For Binev, hosting international competitions formed part of a broader effort to strengthen the federation and Bulgaria’s place within the sport.

Sofia will kick off the points season and Bulgaria’s overall strategy to become a Taekwondo destination

A Community Pays Tribute

The European Taekwondo Union publicly expressed its sorrow at the passing of its Vice President. Bulgarian National Radio also reported condolences from World Taekwondo, which recognized his contribution to the sport’s development and promotion.

Among the athletes paying tribute was Kimia Alizadeh, who remembered the respect, trust, and opportunities Binev offered her when she joined Bulgarian Taekwondo.

His memory was also honored on the competition floor, where participants at the Ramus Sofia Cup observed a minute of silence.

MASTKD extends its condolences to Slavi Binev’s family and loved ones, the Bulgarian Taekwondo Federation, the European Taekwondo Union, and World Taekwondo.

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