On July 5-11, the Bulgarian Diabetes Association (BDA) proudly hosted the European Futsal Championship for people living with diabetes (DiaEuro) in the coastal city of Varna.Â
The initiative began in 2012 as a football tournament in Ukraine, aiming to highlight physical activity as a key component of diabetes management and the prevention of its complications, as well as to raising public awareness of diabetes.Â
DiaEuro has become one of the BDA’s most significant ongoing initiatives since first joining the tournament in 2013. With the exception of 2020, when the tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bulgarian team has participated in every edition — including those held in Romania, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovakia, Ukraine, Poland and Portugal.Â
As an adjunct to the competition, the BDA also organised educational sessions with leading experts. Topics included innovative therapies and technologies in diabetes care, the role of sport in diabetes management and specialised foot care for people living with diabetes.Â
This year’s tournament brought together nine national teams from Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, the United Kingdom and Uzbekistan.Â
In the final match of the tournament, Hungary claimed the championship title after defeating Croatia during penalties, following a 4:4 draw in regular time. Â
With 21 matches played and a total of 132 goals scored, DiaEuro 2025 continued its success in raising awareness and uniting the European diabetes community through sports. Â
Congratulations to the Bulgarian Diabetes Association for hosting a well-organised and impactful event.Â
Final podium:Â
- HungaryÂ
- Croatia
- PortugalÂ
Individual Awards:Â
- Top Scorers: Dean Kolar and Marko Markovic (Croatia) – 6 goals eachÂ
- Most Valuable Player: Janos Santa (Hungary)Â
- Best Goalkeeper: Andreas Benke (Hungary)Â
- Fair Play Award: Team United Kingdom
