Archery Champions Gathered at Near East University for a Panel Named “Champions Of A Century”
On December 18, 2024, Near East University, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Coaching education Department hosted a significant panel organized in collaboration with the Archery Federation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and the Turkish Archery Federation. The panel featured Tokyo 2020 Olympic Champion Mete Gazoz, Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalists Ulaş Berkim Tümer and Abdullah Muhammed Yıldırmış, along with Yusuf Göktüğ Ergin, Technical Director of the Turkish Archery Federation.
Prior to the panel, the champion archers visited the Near East University Car Museum and later attended a dinner held in their honor on the 9th floor of the University’s residence. Following the dinner, they proceeded to the panel venue at the Near East University Grand Library, Hall 4.
The panel commenced with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem. Opening speeches were delivered by Prof. Dr. Mehtap Tiryakioğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences at Near East University; Serkan Taydaş, President of the TRNC Archery Federation; and Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Rector of Near East University, emphasized the importance of archery as a sport that combines discipline, focus, and cultural heritage. They also highlighted the significance of this visit, expressing that the presence of the champions was a source of inspiration for young athletes in the region and a milestone in fostering closer ties between the TRNC and Turkey through sports.
Panel chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz Erdağ, in her introductory remarks, underlined the critical role of the panel in raising awareness about the societal and individual significance of archery. Erdağ stressed that sharing the experiences of Olympic-level athletes would boost the motivation of young archers and individuals interested in the sport. She also pointed out that such events contribute to enhancing cooperation between the two countries in the field of sports.
The session, which lasted approximately 1.5 hours, covered topics such as archery as a sport, preparation for the Olympics, and the development of archery in Turkey. The participants shared their experiences and the stories behind their successes with the audience.
The session concluded with a Q&A segment, where the attendees had the opportunity to ask questions. The event wrapped up with a plaque presentation ceremony and a signing session by the athletes.
This meaningful event, hosted by Near East University, inspired a wide audience interested in archery and provided an opportunity for direct interaction with the champion athletes.
