The 2022 IFMA Antalya Open Cup was one of the largest open events this year with the participation of over 700 athletes and over 200 officials from over 31 nations.
Topping the medal standings was home team Turkey with an incredible 255 medals after participating in all available categories under seniors, U23 and youth divisions. Iran came in second on the medal tally with 11 gold, 15 silver and 16 bronze medals. Kazakhstan took third place claiming also 11 golds, 8 silver and 12 bronze medals.
Morocco brought their A game with a 78% win rate. Estonia and France also took home many medals coming in 4th and 5th respectively on the tally. France was additionally honoured with the Best Sportsmanship award in the seniors , while Estonia were bestowed the same honour for its Youth athletes.
The most outstanding athlete awards went to Yerevan Barut from Turkey and Polish Athlete Bartos Kotas from for the seniors. Most outstanding youth athlete awards went to Turkish Baktiyar Narmanou and Chloe Black from the Irish delegation. Palestinian Athlete Hamza Sabra received the best Wai Kru award.
The event saw fierce competition over 5 days and 4 rings of action for which thanks must go to the great organisation and coordination of the local organising committee under the Turkish Muaythai Federation under the leadership of President Hasan Yildiz.
Technical Delegate and IFMA Medical Commission chair Dr Erdogan Aydin had a huge task to manage the large scale competition to ensure fair play and integrity on the field of play. Special thanks go out to all the Technical Officials who make the event possible for the athletes.
TMF President Hasan Yildiz stated “We organised a great event in which 750 athletes from 31 countries competed, our athletes showed their quality and success on the international platform. We thank everyone who participated and contributed, we congratulate all our athletes regardless of whether they reached the podium or not, and we congratulate our trainers for preparing their athletes for great performances both on and off the field of play.We would like to thank the IFMA Executive Committee and our President, Minister of Youth and Sports Mr.M.Mehmet Kasapoglu, General Directorate of Sports Services, Antalya Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports and all our local administrations for their support.”
