Days before the 70th anniversary of the Bulgarian sports club of CSKA,a new luxury edition photographic book was officially presented. Its authors are sports journalists Todor Shabanski, Boyan Boychev and photographer Bonchuk Andonov.

The book contains 360 pages of facts, statistics and hundreds of unique photos, revealing the greatest moments, people and achievements of the club. "Supporters can be proud of this album. We kept finding new evidence that CSKA, which has given Bulgaria a third of its Olympic champions, is a truly great club at national and international level," Todor Shabanski said.

The album contains many unknown photos and even the most avid fans can find new information. Bonchuk Andonov told us more:

“I am happy as a 70-year-old man and coeval of CSKA, to take part in this endeavor. I have always thought it is an honor for everyone to do something for CSKA and especially for a photographer like me who has managed to collect, preserve and provide many of the photos included in this album. It is a great pride for us that we know the names of the authors of 90 per cent of the photos. Let's hope this album is just the beginning and other sports clubs would also publish such books as they are needed for the preservation of historical photography that is important to each club.”

The photo album contains the history of CSKA but the future belongs to the young athletes, the authors also said. The presentation of the book was attended by some of the most prominent athletes of the club, such as Olympic champions Tanya Bogomilova, Valentin Yordanov and football legends Dimitar Penev and Asparuh Nikodimov. Honorary President of CSKA, Dimitar Penev, handed the book to the young captain of the football team Bozhidar Chorbadzhiyski - a symbolic bridge linking CSKA's glory to the new generation and the future development of the club. Dimitar Penev wished success to all sports in Bulgaria and expressed optimism about the future of CSKA despite difficulties.

According to Chorbadzhiyski, the club is on the right track and the glorious history of CSKA is being preserved:

“I want to thank for the privilege to receive this book from such great people. I hope that someday I will be part of this book too and will hand over the relay to someone who is linked to CSKA as strong as I am. I hope CSKA will be successful and will be where it should be - at the top.”

CSKA has given many occasions for national pride and the new book couldprovide inspiration to young sports talents in Bulgaria. The club's players have already been preparing for the upcoming second semi-final match for the Bulgaria Cup against Levski on April 25, and for CSKA’s anniversary on May 5, when the team will play against Ludogorets. CSKA footballers will be wearing jerseys, especially designed for the anniversary and the club promised many pleasant surprises for the fans.

English: Alexander Markov