Sofia, Nov 7 (BTA/GNA) – Bulgaria’s world weightlifting champion Karlos Nasar returned on Saturday after winning his fourth world title at the IWF World Weightlifting Championships in Ningbo, China, on November 4.
He broke all three world records in the men’s 95kg category, lifting 185kg in the snatch and 230kg in the clean and jerk for a combined total of 415kg.
Nasar was welcomed at Sofia’s Vasil Levski Airport by family members, friends, fans, Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov and Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation President Asen Zlatev.
“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,” Nasar said upon his return.
This year’s title was different because he faced several new competitors in his weight category, including Iran’s Ali Alipour and Kazakhstan’s Nurgissa Adiletuly, who “brought renewed energy to the competition”, according to Nasar.
“They wanted to take first place from me, so I had to show character and prove that Bulgaria deserves the top spot just as much as anyone else,” he said. “I had a hard time overcoming my health problems, but, thank God, I was healthy in the final month before the championships. It was character and willpower alone that helped me overcome all of this. This is a truly Bulgarian heart that does not give in to pain or fear and is ready to keep moving forward for Bulgaria. I dedicate my victory to all of Bulgaria, because these are the people who inspire me to keep going.”
Nasar also dedicated his victory to his late coach, Iliyan Iliev.
The world champion said he would compete in two Bundesliga events in November before taking part in the World Cup in Qatar in December.
“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,” Nasar said.
Youth and Sports Minister Keryazov said he congratulated Nasar on winning the world title, saying this is a major achievement not only for him and Bulgarian weightlifting, but for Bulgarian sport as a whole, because people like him serve as an inspiration to children.
GNA/BTA