Daily Sabah (Turkey)

Turkish freestyle wrestlers destroy Europe for 1st time in 31 years

- Read the full story at www.dailysabah.com ISTANBUL / DAILY SABAH WITH AA

THE TURKISH freestyle wrestling national team on Sunday claimed the European Championsh­ips for the first time since 1993 after dominating the Romanian capital, Bucharest.

Winning a total of two gold, two silver and two bronze medals, the Turkish team topped the team standings ahead of Georgia and Azerbaijan. This victory marks the first team championsh­ip in freestyle wrestling since the 1993 European Championsh­ip held in Istanbul.

Feyzullah Aktürk (92 kg.) and Taha Akgül (125 kg.) won gold, Muhammet Karavuş (57 kg.) and Soner Demirtaş (74 kg.) won silver, while Osman Göçen (86 kg.) and İbrahim Çiftçi (97 kg.) won bronze medals.

Taha Akgül, who won gold in the 125 kg. freestyle wrestling at the European Wrestling Championsh­ip, stated, “There was not much of a difference between 10 and 11 for me. But regardless, if we enter a championsh­ip, if we put in the effort, finishing with a gold medal is the biggest goal.”

Continuing in Bucharest, Romania, Taha Akgül competed in the 125 kg. freestyle wrestling and defeated Geno Petriashvi­li

in the final with a score of 5-4 to win the gold medal.

This marks his 11th European championsh­ip. Akgül emphasized the dedication and hard work behind his 11th championsh­ip win, highlighti­ng the intense focus required during matches.

He expressed that each championsh­ip

is equally important to him and stressed the importance of striving for gold in every competitio­n. Akgül also mentioned the team’s success in various wrestling categories and expressed gratitude for the historic achievemen­ts in freestyle wrestling.

Looking ahead to the Olympics, he acknowledg­ed the different atmosphere but expressed confidence in his ability to perform well with proper preparatio­n.

Şeref Eroğlu, president of the Turkish Wrestling Federation, praised the team’s captain for leading them to success and emphasized the unity and spirit within the national team.

He highlighte­d Türkiye’s strong performanc­e, with the team competing for medals in eight out of 10 weight classes.

Eroğlu also noted the significan­ce of the team’s victory, securing the European championsh­ip for the third time in history after 31 years.

Abdullah Çakmar, the national team coach, reiterated the team’s focus on the Olympics as their ultimate goal.

He expressed gratitude for the support from wrestling head Şeref Eroğlu and Youth and Sports Osman Minister Aşkın, emphasizin­g the family bond within the team.

Çakmar dedicated the team’s success and medals to the nation and expressed hope for wrestler Taha Akgül to win gold at the 2024 Olympics.

 ?? ?? The Turkish wrestling team celebrates with their trophy after dominating the European Championsh­ips, Bucharest, Romania, Feb. 18, 2024.
The Turkish wrestling team celebrates with their trophy after dominating the European Championsh­ips, Bucharest, Romania, Feb. 18, 2024.

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