President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated Turkish boxer Havvanur Kethüda by phone after she won the gold medal at the 2026 European Boxing Championship in Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, becoming European champion.
The call took place via Youth and Sports Deputy Minister Hamza Yerlikaya’s phone. Yerlikaya was in Sofia watching the final bout.
While congratulating the national athlete on her success, Erdoğan also praised Kethüda’s name, saying, “Havvanur, congratulations. Havvanur, your name is very beautiful.”
Erdoğan then pointed to the boxer’s new goal, saying, “God willing, from now on I expect a world championship from you. May God be with you and help you. Give my regards to all your teammates. Congratulations.”
Havvanur Kethüda thanked President Erdoğan during the call.

Havvanur reaches the top in Europe
Havvanur Kethüda faced Russia’s Kseniia Olifirenko in the women’s +80-kilogram final at the Asics Arena in Sofia.
The Turkish boxer prevailed in all three rounds to win the bout and claim the European title.
Kethüda secured her first major international success in the senior category with a gold medal.
The Turkish athlete became emotional during Erdoğan’s call, which came shortly after her European title victory. Her new goal is now to win the world championship.