Sofia (Bulgaria), Dec 23 (IANS): Tennis player Grigor Dimitrov was named Bulgaria's Athlete of the Year here.

Dimitrov, 23, Monday got the most votes among 125 Bulgarian sports journalists who participated in the event held for 57th consecutive year, reports Xinhua.

The world 11th-ranked player won three ATP titles, reached the semifinals at Wimbledon this season and became the first Bulgarian to be ranked in the top 10 of the ATP men's singles rankings, when he was ranked eighth in April.

Sofia mayor Jordanka Fandakova, patron of the event, handed the award to his parents as Dimitrov is preparing abroad for the new season.

Dimitrov, the first tennis player honoured with this recognition, said there are many peaks to conquer in front of him, and he hoped he will be a good example for all young people.

"Thank you for your trust in me and for the thousands of Bulgarian flags that I have seen on the stands worldwide," Dimitrov said in a video message.

Weightlifter Ivan Markov, world silver medallist and European champion, placed second in the ranking, while snowboarder Alexandra Zhekova, who took fifth place at Sochi Winter Olympics, came third.

The award for the Team of The Year went to the national rhythmic gymnastics ensemble, a world champion in 2014, and its coach Ina Ananieva took the award of Coach of The Year.