Athletes from the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Athletics Club achieved notable results at the Özcan Kutlu U14 Turkish Indoor Championships held in Bursa. Zelal Bekmez finished as Türkiye runner-up, while Furkan Alihan took third place nationally and both secured podium finishes.

Athletes from the athletics club established under the Department of Youth and Sports Services earned places on the podium through their strong performances at the Özcan Kutlu U14 Turkish Indoor Championships organised in Bursa.

At the championship, held between 27 February and 1 March, athletes continuing their sporting activities under the Department of Youth and Sports Services competed against many others in the 2,000-metre race walk category for a place among the top finishers.

Two young athletes reached the podium

Following a demanding race, the athletes competing in the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality kit achieved impressive results. Zelal Bekmez claimed the silver medal, finishing second in Türkiye with a time of 10:37. Furkan Alihan secured third place in Türkiye with a time of 10:35, earning a place on the podium. Competing in the same category, Kerem Faruk Sabaz finished sixth with a time of 12:51.

Training to continue

Returning from the championship with medals and strong results, the young athletes have now turned their attention to new goals. Preparing for national tournaments to be held in different cities, they are continuing their training in line with their scheduled programme.

Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality will continue its efforts to bring new young talents into the world of sport.

‘My biggest goal is to compete at the European Championships’

Successful young athlete Zelal Bekmez said she has been involved in athletics for two years and joined the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Athletics Club on the recommendation of her physical education teacher.

Bekmez said that her biggest goal is to compete at the European Championships, adding that she is training in a disciplined way to achieve that success. She also thanked her club for the support it has given her.

‘I love athletics’

Twelve-year-old athlete Furkan Alihan, who finished third in Türkiye at the U14 Turkish Indoor Championships, said: “There are four of us siblings. My reason for starting sport was that I love athletics. When the time comes, I want to take part in the European Championships.”

‘Thanks to DBB’s support, we started training regularly’

Alihan said he took up athletics after a talent identification process and, thanks to the opportunities provided by the Metropolitan Municipality, was able to begin training more regularly. He also called on children to take up athletics.

‘There are 25 athletes in the DBB club’

İbrahim İpek, who has been coaching athletics since 2021, said that 25 athletes are currently active in the Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality Athletics Club.

‘We are continuing the season with four medals’

Noting that they have achieved important successes in athletics, İpek said that, in addition to the Özcan Kutlu U14 Turkish Indoor Championships, one of their athletes had also finished as Türkiye runner-up at the Turkish Cross Country Final held in November, and that they are continuing the season with four medals.

‘Our priority is to bring children into sport’

İpek noted that, in addition to the most recent competition results, Pınar Uğurlayan had also achieved a significant success and that the athlete shows strong promise for the future. He made the following remarks: “Our first priority is to bring children into sport. With the support provided by the Metropolitan Municipality, we are trying to ensure that children attend training sessions regularly. Our aim is to introduce children to sport, keep them away from harmful habits on the streets, and help them achieve important successes in the future.”

‘We want to make success lasting’

Emphasising that they want to make sporting success sustainable, İpek said they are hopeful and confident about the future, and added that, with the support of Diyarbakır Metropolitan Municipality, they will continue working to reach the highest level.