Judokas from Van returned from Macedonia with a championship title

Van Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate national judoka Asya Özmuş became the Balkan champion with the gold medal she won, while Havva Kaya became the Balkan third with the bronze medal.
Van Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate judo athlete Asya Özmuş continued her training in Van under the guidance of judo coach Rakip Aslan and earned the right to join the Judo National Team of Hope due to their outstanding performances in the Turkish Judo Championship held by the federation a few days ago by defeating their opponents. The athletes competed in the Mini Balkan Judo Championship held in Macedonia between June 28-30, 2024. Van Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate national judoka Asya Özmuş competed in the championship in the 40 kg women’s category, defeating all her opponents and winning the gold medal, becoming the Balkan champion, while another athlete from Van, Havva Kaya, became the Balkan third in the 48 kg women’s category.
Van Youth and Sports Provincial Director Yalçın Özdemir congratulated the successful athletes who won the gold and bronze medals at the Mini Balkan Judo Championship held in North Macedonia. Director Yalçın Özdemir stated, ‘I sincerely congratulate our successful athletes who won the Balkan championship and Balkan third place in the Mini Balkan Judo Championship held in North Macedonia. I heartily congratulate our national coach who played a significant role in the success of our athletes. Our national judokas achieved their first Balkan rankings in their careers. I hope these successes will continue to increase. I thank everyone who contributed to the success of Balkan champion Asya Özmuş and Balkan third Havva Kaya, who made us proud, and wish our national judokas continued success.’
Judo coach Rakip Aslan, speaking at the award ceremony, said, ‘We participated in the Mini Balkan Championship organized by the Turkish Judo Federation with 420 athletes from many countries to represent our country and province with 2 of our athletes. Our athlete representing our country in the 40 kg category, Asya Özmuş, became the Balkan champion with the gold medal she won, while another athlete sweating in the 48 kg women’s category, Havva Kaya, became the Balkan third. Our athletes’ efforts in the competitions were appreciated by the federation officials, and our athletes Asya Özmuş and Havva Kaya were invited to the Turkey Judo National Team Camp. We congratulate the athletes who achieved rankings. Hopefully, we will add another success to these beautiful achievements at the World Championship. Finally, we congratulate all the athletes who achieved rankings and thank everyone who contributed, especially our provincial directorate, who has always been by our side in our achievements.’