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Hasan Gemici–Gazanfer Bilge International Wrestling Tourney

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2026-08-02 08:57 UTC → 2026-08-02 12:42 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The Hasan Gemici‑Gazanfer Bilge International Freestyle and Greco‑Roman Wrestling Tournament was held in Kocaeli from July 31 to August 2, 2026, at the Şehit Polis Recep Topaloğlu Sports Hall. Organized by the Kocaeli Metropolitan Municipality, the Turkish Wrestling Federation and the provincial Youth and Sports Directorate, the three‑day event attracted 433 wrestlers, coaches and officials from 24 nations and featured a historic exhibition of more than a hundred artifacts, including a 200‑year‑old Kırkpınar belt and a flag once carried by Olympic medalist Hamit Kaplan. The opening ceremony was attended by federation president Taha Akgül, Olympic champion Rıza Kayaalp and city mayor Tahir Büyükakın, who highlighted Kocaeli’s ambition to raise its profile in sport worldwide. International judges praised the high‑quality organization. On day one, Kocaeli’s Kağıtspor Club earned two bronze medals: Ferhat Kılıç (70 kg freestyle) and Ahmet Yağan (86 kg). The second day featured freestyle contests at 61 kg, 74 kg and 92 kg and Greco‑Roman bouts at 60 kg, 72 kg and 87 kg, drawing enthusiastic local youth. Romanian carabinier Vasile Diacon captured the 70 kg title, defeating opponents from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, providing a highlight as the tournament concluded. The three‑day tournament drew 433 athletes from 24 countries, who competed across multiple weight classes. International officials lauded the event’s organization as a high‑quality competition. Local leaders stressed Kocaeli’s goal of becoming a “sports capital,” using the tournament to inspire youth and promote cultural exchange as participants and coaches from diverse nations gathered in the city, reinforcing its reputation for hosting major international sport events.

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