Rıza Kayaalp Receives Hero’s Welcome in Ankara After 13th European Championship
Ankara, April 23 – Rıza Kayaalp, the national wrestler who etched his name in history by clinching his 13th European Championship title, was greeted with an enthusiastic reception in Ankara yesterday. The champion’s return was marked by a vibrant ceremony at Esenboğa Airport, where supporters, accompanied by a Mehter Band, showered him with flowers.
Kayaalp secured his historic victory at the European Wrestling Championship held in Tirana, the capital of Albania. Competing in the Greco-Roman style 130 kg category, he dominated his Hungarian opponent, Darius Attila Vitek, with a commanding 7-1 win in the final. This triumph not only earned him a gold medal but also solidified his place as a wrestling legend with an unprecedented 13 European titles.
A Record-Breaking Achievement
Speaking to the press at the airport, Kayaalp expressed his joy and gratitude, stating, “Thanks be to Allah, I have achieved this victory for the 13th time. To make history as the first wrestler to reach 15 finals and win 13 European Championships in a tough sport like Greco-Roman wrestling, to represent our country, and to achieve this as a Turkish athlete makes me very happy. I have reaped the rewards of my efforts.”
Kayaalp emphasized the difficulty of his journey, especially after his 12th championship win in 2023. “Actually, getting out there and wrestling was easy,” he remarked. “I had equaled the record for the 12th time then, but many things happened to me after that. During this process, I never gave up. There were times when I was fed up, but the prayers of my little child always kept me going. I had promised her that I would be champion again. Thank God, I didn’t give up. For almost 4-5 months, I couldn’t go home. I was away from my children and family. I made every effort and endeavor to bring this record to my country. Now, the European Championship title will remain with a Turkish wrestler for many years. I am very happy about this.”
Unwavering Dedication and Sacrifice
The wrestler’s words highlighted the immense dedication and personal sacrifices required to reach such an extraordinary level of success. His commitment to his sport and his country, coupled with the motivation drawn from his family, were central to his ability to overcome challenges and achieve this historic milestone.
The celebration in Ankara underscored the profound respect and admiration the Turkish public holds for Rıza Kayaalp. His achievement is not merely a personal triumph but a source of national pride, inspiring aspiring athletes across the country. The wrestling community and sports enthusiasts alike are celebrating this remarkable feat, recognizing the significance of his 13th European title in the annals of sports history.
The national hero’s return has been a moment of collective joy and inspiration for Ankara and the entire nation, reaffirming Turkey’s strong presence in the world of wrestling.
