About
Vessela Letcheva
The number 1 shooter of the 20th century in the world!
Vessela Letcheva was born in Veliko Tarnovo on 20th of May 1964. She lives in Sofia.
She is a graduate of the National Sports Academy. She has a PhD /2009/ in Theory and methodology of physical education and sports training.
Her thesis is on topic: A study of the situational psychological and physical preparation of sports shooting competitors.
Sports career
Sports shooting
Letcheva started shooting practices when she was 11. Before that she was e volleyball player in her home city.
Olympic medals
She won a silver medal at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and a silver medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
World and European titles
Vessela Letcheva is a five-time world champion - Seoul 1986 (two gold medals), Budapest 1987, Sarajevo 1989, Moscow - 1990.
She won the World Cup 4 times, along with another 3 silver and 2 bronze medals (1986-1999).
From European Championships - 8 gold, 2 silver and 3 bronze medals.
World Cup Achievements
According to the statistics of the International Shooting Sports Federation, Vessela Letcheva has won the most titles in World Cup tournaments, for all time: 31 gold, 13 silver and 11 bronze medals (1985-1999).
Public career
Vessela Letcheva was a Member of Bulgarian Parlaiment in the 39th /2001-2005/, 40th /2001-2005/ and 45th /2017-2021/ National Assembly from the citizen quota of the Bulgarian Socialist Party.
As a member of parliament, she was the vice-chairperson of the Standing Committee on Children, Youth and Sports /2017-2021/ and also vice-chairperson of the Standing Committee on Social Policy.
Chairperson of the State Agency for Youth and Sports /2005-2009/
in the government of Prime Minister Sergey Stanishev. Under her leadership, the institution became the driving force of numerous programs aimed at giving access to sports for kids, as well as for the support and development of young sports talents – such as “Learn to ski”, “Learn to play tennis”, “Learn to swim”. These programs are active and popular to this day.
The was Minister of Youth and Sports in the governments of Prime Minister Galab Donev /August 2022 – June 2023/.
Within the term of office of Minister Vessela Letcheva, one of the largest halls in the country “Arena Burgas” was opened after many years of problems with the investment, the developer and the deadlines. Another important innovation in the mandate of Minister Letcheva was the new policy which was implemented regarding Bulgarian coaches and their pay, so that the best specialists could remain working in the country.
She was awarded the title of Honorary Citizen of Veliko Tarnovo.
Personal life and hobbies
Vessela Letcheva has a son.
Her hobbies are skiing, tennis and swimming.
