Medals in Weightlifting Boost Hopes for Los Angeles 2028

Medals won at European and world championships in Turkish weightlifting over the past two years have strengthened goals for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Turkish Weightlifting Federation President Talat Ünlü spoke to an Anadolu Agency reporter ahead of the Senior World Weightlifting Championship, which will be held in Ningbo, China, from October 27 to November 8.

Ünlü said that since taking office, they have placed importance on grassroots development. He stated that the medals won in the youth, junior, under-23 and senior categories are the result of this work. Reminding that Muhammed Furkan Özbek won the 2025 World Championship with a world record total, Ünlü said this success was the first senior world title in men's weightlifting in 15 years.

The Federation President announced that 5 medals were won at the 2025 Senior World Championship, 19 at the 2025 Senior European Championship, and 16 at the 2026 European Senior Championship. He said 40 medals were earned at the 2026 Youth and Under-23 European Championship.

Thirteen athletes, six of them women, will compete in the China championship. Ünlü said the goal at the event is to earn both medals and points for the Olympic quota. He noted that finishing in the top 8 of the world rankings is required for an Olympic quota, and said Muhammed Furkan Özbek, Yusuf Fehmi Genç and Kaan Kahriman are in an advantageous position in this regard. He added that they are also hopeful about Cansel Özkan, Nuray Güngör, Aysel Özkan and Tuana Süren in the women's categories.

It was also confirmed that Turkey will host the 2027 European Senior Weightlifting Championship in Antalya from April 11 to 18, 2027. Ünlü added that a physiotherapist, masseur, medical board and technical team are working to support athletes' performance.