Turkish national boxers return triumphant from European championships

The national boxing team of Türkiye returned triumphantly from the European Boxing Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, securing an impressive tally of 5 medals, including 3 golds.

They received a warm welcome at Sabiha Gokcen Airport, with flowers and a throng of press members ready to capture their reactions.

Buse Naz Cakiroglu, celebrating her third European gold, shared her enthusiasm and the grueling preparation they endured.

"We achieved a great victory here as the Turkish National Team, and it's been a long journey," she explained.

"The last two weeks were particularly challenging, balancing weight management and overcoming stress to secure these medals. It's a significant morale boost ahead of the Olympics."

Cakiroglu further remarked on the intensity of the competition, "We've all had tough matches, and I think we've given the world a glimpse of what to expect at the Olympics. Everything will be beautiful."

Busenaz Surmeneli, who won her first European Championships, credited her success to joining Fenerbahce. "First, I aimed for Türkiye, then Europe, and the world, and hopefully, the Olympics next," Surmeneli said.

"After joining Fenerbahce, I went to the European Championships and won the gold medal. Hopefully, we will repeat this success at the Olympics. I am deeply thankful to everyone who supports us. Their encouragement is invaluable."

Samet Gumus, who ended a 13-year gold medal drought for Turkish men at the championships, expressed pride in his victory. "I am honored and proud to have become the European champion after such a long wait," Gumus stated, adding: "I dedicate this medal to our country and the Fenerbahce family. Thank you to everyone who supported us."

The athletes will rest briefly before resuming rigorous preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

"After some rest, we will continue training at the same pace. Everyone is gearing up for the Olympics, and as prominent athletes, we know they are preparing to challenge us. We are developing strategies accordingly and believe our team will perform wonderfully in Paris," Surmeneli noted.

Source: Newsroom