New gymnastics facility opens in Ankara
Turkish Gymnastics Federation President Emre Çelen announced that the new federation building and gymnastics hall in the capital has been put into service with the Aerobic Gymnastics Federation Cup. "We are truly excited. We have a magnificent federation building and gymnastics hall," said Çelen.
Explaining that minor issues are being addressed through test competitions and training sessions at the facility, Çelen stated that the official opening will take place in September, and that the entire gymnastics and sports community is invited. Çelen thanked Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak and the ministry, the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, and the Spor Toto Organization for their great support in the construction of the facility.
Ankara becomes one of the centers of gymnastics
Noting that they had not been able to organize a Turkish championship in Ankara for about 10 years, Çelen said, "All our competitions will now start coming here. Hopefully, we will also begin hosting international competitions here." He added that the capital has joined the ranks of gymnastics centers in Istanbul Sancaktepe, Antalya, Bolu, and Izmir.
Targeting the first Olympic quota
The federation president emphasized that all disciplines from artistic to rhythmic, and from trampoline to aerobic, are recognized in 81 provinces. "The Turkish Gymnastics Federation now goes to every competition with a medal target. The expectations of both our people and our ministry from us are very high," he assessed.
Stating that they expect finals and medals from the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships in August, the World Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships, and the World Aerobic Gymnastics Championships in September, Çelen recalled that the aerobic branch regularly wins medals in Europe and the world. He said the goal in rhythmic gymnastics is to reach the finals, and since it is an Olympic discipline, they want to secure an Olympic quota for the first time. He added that the same goal applies to trampoline.
Target of 10 athletes for Los Angeles 2028
Emre Çelen summarized the Olympic journey of Turkish gymnastics, recounting that they first participated in London 2012, had 2 athletes in Rio 2016, and 5 each in Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024. "Our goal is to increase this 5 to 10. Our excitement will not end until we win an Olympic gold," said Çelen, citing the bronze medal won by Ferhat Arıcan in Tokyo as an example.
Explaining the reason for focusing on the rhythmic gymnastics group national team as the opportunity to secure a quota for 5 athletes at once with one group, Çelen said, "Let's go with many athletes so that we can increase the number of athletes who can win medals." Çelen added that the greatest excitement is to wave the flag.
