Sofia, December 17 (BTA) - Weightlifting world champion Karlos Nasar of Bulgaria would settle for nothing less than an Olympic title. He returned Friday in Sofia from Tashkent where he won the world title in his 81 kg weight class. "All my hard work paid off," he told reporters waiting for him at Sofia Airport.

"I am thankful to everybody who helped me in my preparation. I dedicate the medal to my family and coaches," he said. "I set this world record during training more than once and I hope to beat it."

"From now on, I will be working for an Olympic berth and hopefully a title. It is my only goal. But I hope to win more medals on the road," said Nasar.

At this stage weightlifting is not among the sports approved for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the International Olympic Committee will make a final decision before Paris 2024.

Nasar believes that leaving out weightlifting will be a big mistake. "Through the years, weightlifting earned its place in the Olympic family. It will be sad if they remove it," said the world champion.