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Habib Omer Balaban, a 13-year-old who won a Türkiye championship shortly after returning to boxing in Trabzon, aims to continue his run of success and compete in Europe in the national jersey.
Starting boxing at age seven at the Pelitli Youth Center on his family’s guidance, Habib Omer took a break from the sport when the branch was closed.
The young athlete, who stayed away from boxing for about four years, resumed training seven months ago at the encouragement of Buyukdag Boxing Club President Kamil Buyukdag.
Quickly reaping the rewards of his work, Habib Omer Balaban competed in the +65 kilogram category at the Under-13 Türkiye Individual Boxing Championship, held by the Türkiye Boxing Federation in Sivas on Aug. 7-15. Winning five bouts in his category of 26 athletes, Habib Omer became the Türkiye champion.
After his success, the young athlete was selected for the Athlete Training Center, a state-run facility that trains young athletes with potential. He continues his training with the goal of making the national team and representing Türkiye in international organizations.
Habib Omer Balaban said that he started boxing at a young age and loves the sport very much.
Explaining that he took a break from the sport after the boxing course closed, Habib Omer said he returned to the ring with Buyukdag’s encouragement.
Habib Omer Balaban said the club also holds social activities alongside its sporting activities.
Saying he loves his club and his coaches, Habib Omer said: “May God be pleased with all of them. We have a goal of becoming champions. Next, we have Europe. I want to stand on the championship podium in Europe in the national jersey.”
Noting that he trained six days a week before the championship, Habib Omer Balaban said they reduced the training schedule to three days a week after the event was completed.
Stressing that Buyukdag played an important role in his return to boxing, Habib Omer said: “Thanks to him, I started boxing again. I am trying to use my talents again and make my club’s name known. Boxing is a great sport.”
Habib Omer Balaban said that after his championship, his six-year-old brother Bekir Kerem Balaban also became interested in boxing, and that he encourages him in the sport.
Saying he wants his brother to succeed as well, Habib Omer said the achievements his brother will gain in the future will make him proud.
First-grade primary school student Bekir Kerem Balaban also said he is happy about his brother’s championship and wants to become a champion like him.
Buyukdag Boxing Club President Kamil Buyukdag said Habib Omer Balaban stands out from his peers with his physical qualities and athletic talent and sets an example to those around him with his character.
Noting that they are happy the young athlete won the championship in the first official competition he entered, Buyukdag said he believes Habib Omer will achieve important successes in the future.
Pointing out that he likens Habib Omer Balaban to former national boxer Sinan Samil Sam, Buyukdag said:
“He is a strong athlete like Sinan Samil Sam. His nickname was truly the Bull of the Bosphorus. I believe Habib, as the ‘Bull of the Black Sea,’ will raise our flag to the skies. He is an athlete who will become a champion in Europe and the world. I believe he will represent our country at the Olympics. He is a truly talented and strong athlete.”
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