2014
'TURKISH STARS' SHINE IN THE BALKAN
Turkish Karatekas marked the 19th Balkan Children Championships in Istanbul; were at the top thanks to their 25 gold, 15 silver and 33 bronze medals.
Having became a tradition among Balkan countries, the 19th meeting of Balkan Children Championships was organised in Istanbul on 14-15 June. In addition to Turkey, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania, the members of Assocaiton of Balkan Karate Federations joined the Championship and 462 men and 274 women Karatekas competed. 69 women and 98 men Karaketas represented Turkey.
Turkish Karetekas marked the event held in İkitelli Sports Hall. Successful Turkish Karatekas who managed to be medalists in several weights of the championship held in 44 different categories hit the top of the general classification thanks to 25 gold, 15 silver and 33 bronze medals won in two days of competition.
Serbia came second with 6 gold, 9 silver and 13 bronze medals. Macedonia came third having won 4 gold, 3 silver and 9 bronze medals. Plus, all the countries managed to get at least one medal.
In the Championship Karetekas born between the years of 2000-2003 competed, gold medals of Turkey in Kata came with Enes Özdemir, Sinem Gül Duman, Selin Okunak and Melek Ecem Taşcı. In Kumite, Emre Kaşık, Rumeysa Baş, Gizem Öztürk, Yağızhan Mustafa Ödemiş, Hakan Şimşek, Mümincan Baylan, Uğur Burak Özgündüz, Savaşkan Gemici, Ulviye Karaboğa, Mehmet Furkan Çelikbilek, Duhan Gümüş, Yağmur Demir, Simge Yücel, Sezgin Kayra, Orhan Alp Kuzulu, Ömer Faruk Ateş, Ömer Faruk Arslan, Furkan Kayalı and Merve Tekin became the gold medalists.
In team's Kata competitions, Turkish women Karatekas born in 2002-2003 and men Karatekas born in 2000-2001 became the champions. Also, women born in 2000-2001 and men born in 2002-2003 won the bronze medal.
DELİHASAN: WHAT IS INVESTED ON OUR CHILD KARATEKAS IS FOR THE FUTURE OF THE COUNTRY
President of Turkish Karate Federation Esat Delihasan said they were proud of the performance and success of the Karatekas in the 19th Balkan Children Championships. Stating that there had been a carnival atmosphere, Delihasan told "I congratulate all our Karaketaks. I also thank their parents for not leaving their children alone in such an important day."
Emphasizing that the Championship was a good experience for the children, Esat Delihasan added: "We place a huge importance on our children because they are the future of Turkish Karate and of course Turkey. What invested on our child Karatekas is for the future of the country. It is our principal duty to ensure that they continue their education and sports life in coordination. If helped take a good step, we can see their improvement too. Our children took one of the best steps in their sports life in the Championship. I congratulate our medalist Karatekas, technical board and trainers."