site.btaWeightlifter Karlos Nasar Named Sportsperson of the Year for 2024

Olympic, world, and European weightlifting champion Karlos Nasar was named Bulgarian Sportsperson of the Year for 2024 in the 67th edition of the most prestigious sports poll, conducted by sports journalists. President Rumen Radev presented the award at a ceremony on Monday.

A total of 137 sports journalists took part in this year’s survey, with Nassar also securing the fan-favourite award in the public vote.

"Karlos achieved the impossible—he won every major title in one year. I thank him for the example he sets," Radev said. He emphasized the growing role of sports in national identity, adding, "The world is becoming an arena of fierce competition, and the future belongs to nations wise enough to invest in sport, as competition requires capable people."

The title of Coach of the Year for 2024 went to Antonina Zetova, head coach of Bulgaria’s national U18 women’s volleyball team. The 41st edition of the Coach of Bulgaria survey saw participation from 28 media outlets, with the winner traditionally receiving a painting by a Bulgarian artist.

In the Sportsperson of the Year ranking, Olympic silver medallist in rhythmic gymnastics Boryana Kaleyn finished second with 996 points, receiving her award from Bulgarian Olympic Committee President Stefka Kostadinova. Olympic Greco-Roman wrestling champion Semen Novikov placed third and was honoured by legendary Bulgarian gymnast Yordan Yovchev.

Fourth place went to Olympic freestyle wrestling champion Magomed Ramazanov, whose award was accepted by Bulgarian Wrestling Federation board member Danail Ganchev on behalf of Olympic champion Tanya Bogomilova. Tennis star Grigor Dimitrov rounded out the top five, with his placement announced by former footballer Dimitar Berbatov.

Weightlifter Bozhidar Andreev, who secured sixth place with 555 points, had his award accepted by Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation President Stefan Botev, while taekwondo bronze medallist Kimia Alizadeh ranked seventh with 415 points and received her award from Olympic biathlon champion Ekaterina Dafovska.

Eighth place went to boxer Javier Ibanez, a bronze medallist from the Paris Olympics, followed by basketball player Aleksandar Vezenkov in ninth place. Professional boxer Kubrat Pulev completed the top ten with 281 points.

The national under-18 women’s volleyball team was named Bulgaria’s Team of the Year for 2024, receiving the award from Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Petar Mladenov.

The title of Sportsperson with Disabilities for 2024 was awarded to shot put Olympic champion Ruzhdi Ruzhdi, with his award presented by Stefka Kostadinova.

The newly established Inspiration Award, introduced by the Bulgarian Association of Sports Journalists (BASJ), was posthumously given to Karlos Nasar’s first coach and mentor, Ilian Iliev.

The first official Sportsperson of the Year survey in Bulgaria was conducted in 1958.