Van boxers chase medals

Van's national boxers are riding high on success. The boxers who left their mark at the Turkish championship are now stepping into the ring for the world championship .

Experienced boxers Ahmet Pekel from Van will compete in the 65-kilogram (65-kg) category, while Şeyma Düztaş will compete in the +80-kilogram (80-kg) category. Van athletes Pekel and Düztaş will represent Van and Turkey at the Women's and Men's World Boxing Championships to be held in Liverpool, England, from September 4-14, 2025.

"WE EXPECT MORE SUPPORT FROM OUR ELDERLY ONES"

Commenting on the competition, Ayhan Öz, the national team boxing coach from Van, emphasized that their goal for the championship is to have the national anthem played and the Turkish flag waved. Öz stated that the boxing branch is waiting for support, saying, "Our athletes will represent our country in the tournament. We expect even more support from all our leaders, especially from Governor Ozan Balcı. It is a great honor for Van's athletes to represent their country. We have been preparing for the championship for approximately 10 months. Our goal is to have the national anthem played and the Turkish flag waved."