Medal Joy on Return to Paris 2024

National weightlifters Abdullah Kayapınar and Nazmiye Muratlı, who won medals at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, came to Ankara.

Returning home, Abdullah Kayapınar and Nazmiye Muratlı were welcomed with flowers by their loved ones, federation and Eryaman TOHM officials at the Esenboğa Airport VIP Terminal.

Abdullah Kayapınar, who won the silver medal, stated that he was very happy and proud and said, “We made our country proud. We wanted gold but we were destined for a silver medal, and we are grateful for that. We did our best, and thank God our efforts were not in vain.”

Abdullah, who made history as the first male Turkish athlete to win a medal in weightlifting at the Paralympic Games, said, “I had a 150-kilo ranking in Tokyo. I had a muscle tear in my shoulder, but I recovered well. I increased my ranking to 180 kilos here. My goal is to win a gold medal in Los Angeles 2028.”

Nazmiye Muratlı, who won gold medals in London 2012 and Rio 2016 and bronze medals in Paris 2024, pointed out that she has won three medals in the Paralympic games.

The para weightlifter, who emphasized that he achieved a significant success, said, “After the gold, the third place was also very important. Actually, we were second, but it was unfair, there is no problem. It is a very important medal for me. I am one of the athletes who won three medals in the Olympics. I dedicate our medal to Turkey first and foremost, and to all the people I love who stand behind me. We swore that if I participate, I would do four. If I go, I will not give the gold medal. I have not decided yet.”

National team coach Mehmet Semih Ceylan stated that they had a good preparation period and in return the athletes won medals, and noted the following:

“There were also minor injustices to our athletes. Abdullah Kayapınar was our athlete who brought Turkey its first medal in men’s weightlifting at the Paralympic Games. He achieved a very good result by adding 30 kilos to his weightlifting in Tokyo. Nazmiye came in third after they accepted her British opponent’s objection, she would have normally come in second. Still, we are happy and proud. Today, Besra Duman came in second at the Olympics. Hopefully, our other athletes will compete well tomorrow as well.”