# International sporting events in Malatya, Turkey

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/international-sporting-events-in-malatya-turkey
> Updated: 2026-08-28T13:38:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Malatya, Turkey, has hosted several international sporting events aimed at regional development and social normalization following recent earthquakes.

In late August 2026, the city hosted the 9th International Golden Apricot Chess Tournament, which featured 625 athletes from 15 countries. Malatya Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Sami Er noted the event was part of a broader effort to support the city’s normalization process through social and sporting activities.

Following the chess tournament, the Malatya International Wrestling Tournament commenced at the Orduzu Sports Complex. This event brought together approximately 1,200 athletes from 15 different nations, including Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Germany. Taha Akgül, President of the Turkish Wrestling Federation, highlighted the importance of such international competition for regional development and athlete experience.

## Claims

- The Turkish Wrestling Federation aims to expand the tournament to 2,000 or 3,000 athletes next year. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Competing against international opponents helps increase the self-confidence of young athletes. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Approximately 1,200 athletes from 15 countries are participating in the Malatya International Wrestling Tournament. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The participating countries include Turkey, Northern Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Germany, Iran, United Kingdom, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Iraq, Russia, and Tunisia. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The tournament is being held at the Orduzu Sports Complex. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-28: Malatya hosts international wrestling tournament with 1,200 athletes

The Malatya International Wrestling Tournament has launched, featuring 1,200 athletes from 15 countries. The Turkish Wrestling Federation aims to expand the event to 3,000 participants next year.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malatya-hosts-international-wrestling-tournament-with-1200-athletes

### 2026-08-24: Malatya hosts 9th International Golden Apricot Chess Tournament

The 9th International Golden Apricot Chess Tournament has launched in Malatya, Turkey, featuring 625 athletes and a 1 million lira prize pool.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/malatya-hosts-9th-international-golden-apricot-chess-tournament

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Cite as: International sporting events in Malatya, Turkey. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/international-sporting-events-in-malatya-turkey