Turkish weightlifter Yusif Fehmi Genc thanked Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and his people.
Axar.az reports that the Turkish athlete said this in a statement.
The athlete, who won the Islamiada in the 73 kg weight category, recalled the events of the 2023 European Championships in Armenia:
"First of all, I would like to say that I won the 2023 European Championships in Armenia and dedicated my medal to the people of Azerbaijan. After this event, Mr. President Ilham Aliyev invited me and my teammates to your country. I express my gratitude to the President and people of Azerbaijan."
He emphasized that he has a good relationship with Azerbaijani weightlifters:
"I became a champion in this competition as well. I was sure that I would easily win the gold medal. Because I believe in myself. I believe that Azerbaijani athletes will also perform successfully. We have a good relationship with them. We especially have good relations with Dadash Dadashbeyli and Isa Rustamov."
It should be noted that after the disrespect for the Azerbaijani flag at the opening ceremony of the 2023 European Championship in Armenia, our national team returned home without participating in the competition.