.png){kind=small}
The 2025 IWBF European Championship for Men – Division C concluded in style in Samokov, Bulgaria, with the host nation claiming gold after an exciting week of international wheelchair basketball.
Bulgaria were crowned champions on home soil following a 71–44 victory over Sweden in the final, while Belgium captured bronze with a 71–32 win against Serbia. Both Bulgaria and Sweden secured promotion to Division B for the next European Championship cycle.
A Record-Breaking Tournament for Division C
Hosted by the Bulgarian Basketball Federation, the IWBF Europe competition - supported by Toyota Motor Europe - marked a major milestone for the Division C Championship, featuring a record 10 national teams: Armenia, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Ireland, Serbia, Sweden, and host nation Bulgaria.
Over six days of action, the teams battled through group stages, semi-finals, and medal matches, delivering a showcase of teamwork, upcoming talent, and the growing competitiveness of wheelchair basketball across Europe.
Toyota: Driving Mobility for All
As the Official Partner of the championship, Toyota Motor Europe supported an IWBF Europe event for the first time, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility and inclusion in sport.
Toyota’s involvement extended beyond traditional sponsorship, providing official transport, a dedicated Athlete Recovery Lounge, and a strong message centred on their philosophy of “Mobility for All.”
IWBF Europe President Walter Pfaller expressed his appreciation for Toyota’s support, noting that:
“Toyota’s contribution made a real difference to the players’ experience and helped elevate the overall quality and professionalism of the event.”
Home Glory for Bulgaria
Bulgaria delivered a commanding performance throughout the week, displaying composure, teamwork, and efficiency to remain unbeaten in Samokov. The team was led by Yasin Tasdemir, whose scoring prowess and consistency made him the standout player of the tournament. Tasdemir finished as top scorer with 147 points and earned his place in the All-Star Five. Supported by a well-balanced squad and disciplined play, Bulgaria maintained control throughout the competition and rose to the occasion when it mattered most. In the final, their precision and poise proved too much for Sweden, securing a 71–44 victory and the championship title.
Sweden, anchored by the experienced Joakim Blomqvist and Joachim Gustavsson, battled hard throughout the week and fully deserved their place in the final, while Belgium concluded their campaign on a strong note with a 71–32 win over Serbia to claim the bronze medal.
Final Ranking
- Bulgaria (BUL) – Gold
- Sweden (SWE) – Silver
- Belgium (BEL) – Bronze
- Serbia (SRB)
- Ireland (IRL)
- Czech Republic (CZE)
- Finland (FIN)
- Denmark (DEN)
- Hungary (HUN)
- Armenia (ARM)
All-Star Team
- Tristan Vanden Eynde (Belgium)
- Joakim Blomqvist (Sweden)
- Leo-Pekka Tähti (Finland)
- Joachim Gustavsson (Sweden)
- Yasin Tasdemir (Bulgaria)
A Step Forward for European Wheelchair Basketball
The 2025 IWBF European Championship Division C highlighted the continued growth of wheelchair basketball across Europe, providing a valuable platform for developing nations to gain experience and strengthen their programmes. The event in Samokov reflected the sport’s expanding reach and the collective commitment to building the game across all levels.
👉 View all results, statistics, and leaders here.
Photos by Mélodie Gagneux
