17.05.2025 23:50
National judoka Fatma Zehra Meki won a gold medal by defeating her Israeli opponent at the European Cup for U21 in Germany. She stated, "I dedicate the medal I won to my country and to the people who were killed in Palestine."
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In the European Cup for Juniors held in Germany, national judoka Fatma Zehra Meki, who defeated her Israeli opponent in the final, dedicated the gold medal she won to the Palestinians under attack.
Fatma Zehra Meki, who was sent to the gym by her mother complaining that she couldn't gain weight at a young age, started judo with the guidance of her coaches. Fatma Zehra, who achieved success with her hard work and potential, tore her right anterior cruciate ligaments during training two years ago. After a successful surgery, Fatma Zehra returned to the tatami and started the year with a bronze medal she won at the Turkish Championship.
Then, Fatma Zehra Meki, who became the champion at the European Cup for Juniors held in Antalya, repeated her success at the European Cup for Juniors held in Germany on April 25.
''MAY IT BE A GIFT TO THE PEOPLE KILLED IN PALESTINE''
17-year-old Fatma Zehra Meki, an athlete of Konya Metropolitan Municipality Sports Club, told AA reporter that she has been passionately involved in judo for years.
Describing how she overcame difficulties with determination and perseverance, Fatma Zehra stated that she won a gold medal at the Balkan Championship for Minors held in Romania in 2019, and after overcoming her injury, she achieved significant successes in the competitions she participated in. Emphasizing that her success at the championship held in Germany made her very proud, Fatma Zehra said:
"I became the champion by defeating my Israeli opponent there. After winning the match, my family, my coaches, and I were very happy. I entered that match for both Turkey and the innocent children and women who were unjustly killed in Palestine. That provided extra motivation. May the medal I won be a gift to my country and to the people killed in Palestine."
''STRONG AND POTENTIAL''
Hakan Aydoğan, the judo coach at Konya Metropolitan Municipality Sports Club, stated that Fatma Zehra has achieved significant successes in the minors and juniors categories. Noting that the serious injury did not discourage Fatma Zehra, Aydoğan recorded the following:
"Neither Fatma Zehra nor we have given up on sports. Because she is a strong and potential athlete. She showed this in the competition in Germany as well. That championship was much more important to us than anything else. Before the match, she called me and said, 'Coach, I'm going to the final match.' I told her, 'Fatma, you will win this competition for all Muslims.' She won the match by defeating her opponent in just 3 minutes. Our training continues at full speed. She has 3 more major medals ahead, and we believe she will win them too."
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