Welcoming the conqueror of Europe like a ram.

Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Youth Sports Club athlete Hakan Koç, who became the European runner-up, was welcomed at the airport with drums, zurna, and flowers. The national kickboxer experienced moments filled with pride.

Hakan Koç, representing our country in the Kickboxing European Championship held in Athens, Greece from November 2 to 9, 2024, won a silver medal by finishing second. Upon his return to the country, the national kickboxer was welcomed with drums, zurna, and flowers in his hometown of Erzurum.

The welcoming ceremony at Erzurum Airport was attended by Vahit Albayrak, the Sports Activities Branch Manager of the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, Aykut Bozoğlu, the Vice President of the Metropolitan Municipality Youth Sports Club, Metin Abuşoğlu, the Provincial Representative of Kickboxing, Coach Rıdvan Özkan, along with his family and athletes. The national athlete’s parents, Serap Koç and Alparslan Koç, also experienced great happiness during the proud moments at the airport.

Welcomed with flowers

Vahit Albayrak, the Sports Activities Branch Manager of the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, and Aykut Bozoğlu, the Vice President of the Metropolitan Municipality Youth Sports Club, congratulated European runner-up Hakan Koç by giving him flowers for his success. Vahit Albayrak stated, “We congratulate Hakan Koç for his success. Hopefully, next time he will bring European and World Championships to Erzurum and our country.”

Sekmen had congratulated him

The success of athlete Hakan Koç, who became the European runner-up, brought great pride to his hometown Erzurum. Mayor Mehmet Sekmen shared a congratulatory message for Hakan Koç, who waved our flag on the international stage. In his statement, Mayor Sekmen said, “I sincerely congratulate him for this significant achievement. As Erzurum, we are always by the side of our young people who aim for the peak in sports, and I hope their successes continue to increase.”

The national athlete’s father, Alparslan Koç, stated in his remarks that his son waved the Turkish flag in the best way, saying, “Hopefully, next time he will raise our flag to the top and have our National Anthem played.”

Hakan Koç, who became the European runner-up, had previously also won the world runner-up title.