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Türkiye’s national women’s wrestling team returned to Istanbul on April 25 after finishing second overall at the 2026 European Wrestling Championships in Albania, marking one of the team’s strongest collective performances in recent years.
The team secured a total of six medals, including one gold, two silver, and three bronze, placing them second in the overall standings.
The delegation arrived at Istanbul Airport, where officials from the Istanbul Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate welcomed them with flowers.
Competing in the 68-kilogram category, Nesrin Bas claimed the team’s only gold medal and became a two-time European champion.
Speaking after her return, she emphasized both the difficulty of the competition and her long-term ambitions.
“My opponents were really strong. I believe that I managed this challenging process very well,” she said. “My goal has always been to make our national anthem heard and raise our flag. From now on, I want to bring a gold medal to our country at the world championship.”
Evin Demirhan Yavuz, who earned a silver medal, described the tournament as a significant return after injury, noting that it was her first competition of the year.
“I had a serious injury last year. This was my first tournament this year, and I am very happy to reach the final,” she said, adding that this marked her seventh medal at the senior level.
Among the bronze medalists, Buse Tosun Cavusoglu said she is now focused on winning gold at the world championships, while 18-year-old Beyza Nur Akkus highlighted the milestone of winning her first senior-level medal.
“I won my first medal in the senior category at the age of 18. I believe many more will come,” she said.
Head coach Ayhan Sucu described the overall result as a major achievement, while acknowledging that the team had aimed for the top spot.
“We would have liked to become champions, but it did not happen this time,” he said. “I am proud of my athletes. They all fought hard. I thank the Turkish people for their support.”
Gultekin Ortes, head of sports activities at the Istanbul Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate, also praised the team’s performance, stating that their results made the country proud and expressing confidence in continued success in future competitions.
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