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Mustafa Kerem Karaköse, a national team wrestler for Karatay Belediyespor, won the 51 kg title at the Under-17 Greco-Roman Balkan Wrestling Championship in Croatia, beating opponents from Israel and Moldova on his way to gold.

Supported by his father and coach, Onur Karaköse, a former national wrestler, the young athlete is now preparing for the European and world championships.

Mustafa Kerem Karaköse targets European and world medals

Mustafa Kerem Karaköse said the Balkan championship was a beautiful but difficult tournament for him, and credited the motivation of his father and coaches for his success. "It was a nice and tough tournament. With the championship I also gave my father pride, and that made me very happy. It is my first success abroad. Now I want to prepare for the European and world championships and win medals there too," Karaköse said.

Mayor of Karatay Hasan Kılca congratulated Mustafa Kerem Karaköse and said he believes the young wrestler's championship will inspire other athletes.

Key takeaways

• Mustafa Kerem Karaköse won the 51 kg Balkan title at the Under-17 Greco-Roman championship in Koprivnica on October 1-2.
• He beat Idan Davodzade of Israel 9-1 in the semifinal and Victor Nicoara of Moldova 6-5 in the final.
• His father and coach, former national wrestler Onur Karaköse, said the family wants an Olympic medal in the future.
• The athlete now aims to prepare for the European and world championships.