İbrahim Elmalı Stars Clubs Türkiye Weightlifting Championship, organized by the Turkish Weightlifting Federation, continues in Sakarya.
597 athletes from 86 clubs are participating in the organization that will last until July 19 at Metehan Başar Sports Hall in Serdivan district.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Turkish Weightlifting Federation President Talat Ünlü said that they wanted to make the whole world listen to the National Anthem and wave the star and crescent flag.
Stating that they wish the athletes to be successful in the Olympics, Ünlü said, "You are pure athletes, as the whole world wants to see. Sports is not only measured by success, the athlete's success is reflected in his character. Clean sports will always have an important place in your life." he said.
Reminding that only one athlete failed to receive a medal at the Junior World Weightlifting Championship held in Colombia, Ünlü said, "It is much more important that they represent our national team in the best way possible than receiving a medal. They represented our country in the best way possible, with open foreheads and crescent-star jerseys on their chests, and they returned proudly." he said.
Provincial Youth and Sports Director Cemil Boz emphasized that Sakarya is a city of athletes who love sports and wished success to all athletes.
In the championship, Sudenaz Yılmaz from Düzce Municipality Sports Academy Sports Club won the gold medal in +77 kilos, Yağmur Bulut from Karakaya Primary and Secondary School Sports Club in 77 kilos, and Görkemsu Çam, an athlete from Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, won the gold medal in 69 kilos.
Medals were presented to the contestants who ranked highest in the program.