Sports Minister Svilen Neykov has opposed claims that the performance of the Bulgarian team at the London Olympics amounted to a failure.

"I cannot say that our performance was disappointing. Given the dilapidated sports infrastructure, the two medals are a success. We are already working to upgrade the facilities. We are starting with sports schools and sports clubs and we shall reach the stage of professional sport," Neykov said Monday, as cited by dnevnik.bg.

"You saw that in many of the sports we just lacked a bit of luck. The ranking of the volleyball team is a step in the right direction. We had a successful performance in rhythmic gymnastics and in weightlifting. Unfortunately, the wrestlers did not match the initial expectations. We are yet to analyze our overall performance so that we can take the necessary steps," he added.

Bulgaria's Sports Minister emphasized that the different sports federations would be subject to stricter control as regards spending their resources.

"All athletes and coaches must know in advance what sum they will get. Our aim is to have training programs and plans prepared in advance. I believe that this could make our expectations of our sportspeople more realistic. It is not easy to win quota places nowadays. I think that our athletes put huge efforts to get to the London Olympics and therefore deserve respect," Neykov concluded.

Bulgaria ranked 63rd in the London 2012 Olympic Games, with a total of 2 medals – one silver and one bronze.