Turkish boxer Akbas advances to Olympics final, eyes gold medal

Hatice Akbas (red) of Türkiye reacts after beating South Korea's Im Ae-ji during the Women's 54kg Semi-final match on day nine of the Paris 2024 Olympics at North Paris Arena, Paris, France, August 04, 2024. (AA Photo)

Turkish boxer Hatice Akbas has advanced to the final in the women's 54kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with hopes of securing a gold medal. Competing at North Paris Arena, Akbas clinched her spot in the final by narrowly defeating South Korean Aeji Im with a score of 3-2.

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 04: Hatice Akbas (red) of Turkiye reacts after beating South Korea's Im Ae-ji during the Women's 54kg Semi-final match on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena on August 04, 2024 in Paris, France. ( Mehmet Murat Önel - Anadolu Agency )PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 04: Hatice Akbas (red) of Turkiye reacts after beating South Korea's Im Ae-ji during the Women's 54kg Semi-final match on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena on August 04, 2024 in Paris, France. ( Mehmet Murat Önel - Anadolu Agency )PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 04: Hatice Akbas (red) of Turkiye competes against Im Ae-ji (blue) of South Korea during the Women's 54kg Semi-final match on day nine of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at North Paris Arena on August 04, 2024 in Paris, France. ( Mehmet Murat Önel - Anadolu Agency )

Expressing her joy and pride after the match, "I made it to the final. I delivered a good performance, though I was a bit more anxious than in previous days. I think I performed slightly below my usual level. Hopefully, I will do better in the final and win the gold medal for my country. I want to thank everyone who supported and prayed for me," Akbas said.