In brief
Karlos Nasar landed in Sofia on November 7 after winning his fourth world title in Ningbo, China, and setting new 95‑kg world records. The Bulgarian champion was greeted by family, fans and sports officials at Vasil Levski Airport, and he thanked his late coach and his supporters before outlining plans for upcoming competitions. Nasar’s victory is seen as a national triumph and a source of hope for Bulgaria’s future athletes.
In Sofia, Bulgaria, world weightlifting champion Karlos Nasar landed at Vasil Levski Airport on Saturday after clinching his fourth world title at the IWF World Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo, China. He broke all three world records in the men's 95‑kg category, lifting 185 kg in the snatch and 230 kg in the clean‑and‑jerk for a combined total of 415 kg.
Family members, friends, fans, Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov and Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation President Asen Zlatev welcomed Nasar on the tarmac, celebrating the athlete’s historic performance.
Karlos Nasar said,
I am very happy and feel the support of the people. Sport brings people together. I have always understood the role of sport in society, but now I also feel my own role and am very proud. I realize the responsibility that comes with being the 'The Champion of the People' and hope to represent Bulgaria with dignity and bring joy and strength to people.
He added that this year’s title felt different because he faced several new competitors, including Iran’s Ali Alipour and Kazakhstan’s Nurgissa Adiletuly, who “brought renewed energy to the competition.” Nasar said he had to “show character and prove that Bulgaria deserves the top spot just as much as anyone else.” He also noted overcoming health problems in the final month before the championships, crediting character and willpower, saying, “This is a truly Bulgarian heart that does not give in to pain or fear and is ready to keep moving forward for Bulgaria.” He dedicated his victory to all of Bulgaria and to his late coach, Iliyan Iliev.
During the event, Nasar set new world records in the snatch, clean‑and‑jerk and total in the 95‑kg class. His total lift of 415 kg surpassed the previous record, making him the only athlete to win four world titles in the sport.
Nazar also highlighted his future plans, stating that he would compete in two Bundesliga events in November before taking part in the World Cup in Qatar in December. He added, “Faith comes first. To perform so consistently at every competition, I must not have even the slightest doubt in myself. I hope that one day I will be the only weightlifter to have won four Olympic medals.”
Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov congratulated Nasar, calling his achievement a major milestone for the country, acknowledging the athlete’s perseverance and dedication. The minister praised Nasar’s performance as a source of inspiration for Bulgarian sports.
The return of Karlos Nasar to Sofia is seen as more than a personal triumph; it is a national celebration that underscores the role of sport in bringing people together. Fans in the city will soon have another reason to cheer as the weightlifter continues to train for his upcoming international competitions, while the nation watches with pride.
