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Istanbul, 7 October 2025 — The 2025 European Air Shooting Championships, held from 1 to 5 October in Istanbul, concluded with an emphatic display of skill and teamwork by the Turkish (Türkiye) national team. Türkiye topped the medal table with three golds, one silver, and one bronze, thrilling local supporters and establishing itself as an emerging force in European shooting sports.
🏅 An Unstoppable National Team
The Türkiye team excelled across multiple events. In the air pistol pairs event, Şevval İlayda Tarhan and Esra Bozabalı secured the gold medal, outscoring strong teams from Italy and Germany. Tarhan also claimed a bronze in the individual air pistol competition, demonstrating her consistency and precision.
In air rifle pairs, the duo of Damla Köse and Elif Berfin Altun added another gold medal for Türkiye, completing a remarkable hat-trick of victories for the host nation. The collective achievements of the team reflect not only technical skill but also excellent coordination and composure under pressure.
🥇 Outstanding Individual Performances
The Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikeç, aged 52, once again amazed the world with his relaxed style and pinpoint accuracy. Known for competing without traditional equipment —no special glasses or ear protection— and often with one hand in his pocket, Dikeç claimed three gold medals in the air pistol team events. His calm attitude and minimalist approach have earned him the nickname “the man, the myth, the legend” on social media.
🏆 Home Advantage and Competitive Edge
The championship brought together over 100 of Europe’s top shooters in air rifle and air pistol disciplines. Competing in high-standard facilities in Istanbul, athletes faced intense competition from traditionally strong nations such as Germany, Italy, and France. Türkiye’s ability to perform consistently across multiple categories proved decisive in securing their position at the top of the standings.
The local audience contributed to an electric atmosphere, cheering each successful shot and celebrating the team’s achievements. Observers noted that the supportive home crowd appeared to boost the confidence and performance of Türkiye’s shooters throughout the five-day event.
© ESC
🔮 Looking Ahead
Türkiye’s performance in Istanbul signals a strong and growing presence in international shooting sports. With a combination of seasoned athletes and rising talent, the nation is expected to continue challenging for top honours at major competitions. The next milestone for the Türkiye team will be the 2026 World Shooting Championships, where expectations are high for continued success.
This championship has also highlighted the depth of Türkiye’s talent pool, the effectiveness of its training programmes, and the rising prominence of female athletes in the sport. The experience gained here will be invaluable as Türkiye seeks to maintain and expand its influence in European and world shooting competitions.
Read more at: https://esc-shooting.org
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