16-year-old Mehmet Akif Çinaz, who lives in Amasya, succeeded in being selected for the national team in athletics, which he started after being discovered in the talent screening of the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports in primary school.
Mehmet Akif Çinaz, who was directed to athletics in primary school in the talent screening carried out by the coaches of the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports under the coordination of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, won the gold medal in the Turkish Championship held in Izmir after 6 years of activity.
Mehmet Akif, who was invited to the national team, continues his preparations at Amasya 12 June City Stadium under the management of coach Umut Kutlu.
Mehmet Akif Çinaz will represent Türkiye at the Under-18 European Championship to be held in Rieti, Italy, between 16-19 July.
Mehmet Akif Çinaz told the AA reporter that he met Umut Kutlu, the talent screening coach he attended 6 years ago, and that he has been interested in athletics since then.
Stating that he loves athletics, Mehmet Akif said, "We started to get the reward of our efforts by doing disciplined and regular training every day with my coach. I became the first athlete of Amasya to join the national team. I promise to try to represent our country, our nation and our flag in the best way." he said.
Umut Kutlu, who is also the provincial representative of athletics, pointed out that they introduced children to sports in the talent screenings carried out under the coordination of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and said, "Mehmet Akif Çinaz was a very disciplined child. He deserved to come here. He became the first national athlete of Amasya in the branch of athletics." he said.
12-year-old Elif Elizan Gül, who trains with Mehmet Akif Çinaz, also noted that she also aims to become a national athlete.