Turkey to host artistic gymnastics Euro championships

By Sezgin Pancar

MERSIN, Turkey (AA) – Turkey is set to host the European Championships in Artistic Gymnastics in the Mediterranean port city of Mersin during the next 10 days.

The European Championships in Men’s Artistic Gymnastics will be held between Dec. 9-13, while the European Championships in Women's Artistic Gymnastics will take place from Dec. 17 to 20.

A total of 218 gymnasts from 21 countries will compete in Turkey.

Speaking in a news conference ahead of the event, Suat Celen, president of Turkish Gymnastics Federation, said after Azerbaijan and France withdrew from hosting the tournament over coronavirus fears, the tournament was awarded to Turkey.

“Our athletes, who will participate in the competition, already bagged medals in Europe. I believe that they will win trophies here and wave our flag. “

He said that only a few countries in Europe could be ready to host this organization in such a short time.

“I hope we will complete this organization without any problem as very serious COVID-19 measures have been taken for the championship. Nobody without taking coronavirus test stay at the venue or hotels.”

In men's category, Umit Samiloglu, Ferhat Arican, Ibrahim Colak, Ahmet Onder, and Abdelrahman Elgamal will represent Turkey in the tournament which will be held in Mersin Gymnastics Hall.

Goksu Uctas Sanli, Dilara Yurtdas, Bilge Tarhan, Cemre Kendirci, and Ece Yagmur Yavuz will compete in women’s category for Turkey.

*Writing by Muhammed Enes Calli