In brief
Bulgaria’s Karlos Nasar returned to Sofia on Saturday after winning his fourth IWF World Weightlifting Championship title in Ningbo, China, where he set new world records. He broke the 95‑kg snatch, clean‑and‑jerk, and total records, lifting 185kg, 230kg, and 415kg respectively. The champion went on a speech about national pride, coaching legacy, and future ambitions.
After Friday’s triumph at the International Weightlifting Federation World Championships in Ningbo, China, Karlos Nasar arrived in Sofia early on Saturday, 7 November 2026, where family, fans, and officials greeted him on the tarmac of Vasil Levski Airport.
The 95‑kg men's competition saw Nasar lift 185kg in the snatch, 230kg in the clean‑and‑jerk, and a combined total of 415kg, two new records in each lift and a new world record total. Those figures eclipsed the previous marks and earned him his fourth world championship title.
Nasar said upon his arrival, 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 credited the crowd’s energy and the nation’s support as integral to his performance.
During the competition, he faced new challengers—Iran’s Ali Alipour and Kazakhstan’s Nurgissa Adiletuly—whom he described as bringing “renewed energy to the competition.” Nasar explained, 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.
The weightlifter also reflected on his health challenges that arose before the championships, noting, 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.
Nasar dedicated his victory to the nation, saying, I dedicate my victory to all of Bulgaria, because these are the people who inspire me to keep going. He added a personal note, acknowledging his late coach Iliyan Iliev, to whom he pledged the win as a tribute.
Youth and Sports Minister Encho Keryazov appeared on the arrival flight and later at the airport, stating, I congratulated Nasar on winning the world title, this is a major achievement for Bulgaria. He also highlighted the champion’s role in inspiring younger athletes.
Following his world‑title victory, Nasar announced forthcoming competitions: two Bundesliga events in November and a World Cup in Qatar scheduled for December. He shared, 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.
The return of Karlos Nasar to Sofia marks a significant moment for Bulgarian weightlifting, combining record‑breaking performances with a narrative of perseverance and national pride. As he prepares for the next phase of his career, the country watches keenly, hoping he continues to lift not only weights but also the spirit of a nation.
