Izmir University of Economics Becomes Turkish Champion in Fencing

Izmir University of Economics (IUE) Men’s Fencing Team won first place at the UNILIG Turkish Championship held in Ankara this year and brought home the trophy. Competing against ambitious teams from across Türkiye, the IUE students made it to the top and experienced the pride and joy of bringing the cup to Izmir.

The fencing team, consisting of Mert Ahmet Koç, a Logistics Management student studying at Izmir University of Economics on a national athlete scholarship, and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation students Özgür Ege Şenyurdusev and Yiğit Çetinkaya, underwent an intensive preparation process for the championship hosted by Gazi University. Continuing their training regularly in the gym during their free time outside classes, the students built up their stamina and strength, and their hard work paid off with the championship trophy. IUE, which came second in Türkiye with its fencing team in 2023, achieved the long-awaited championship this year and rose to the top.

“WE WANTED THE TROPHY VERY MUCH AND ACHIEVED OUR GOAL”

IUE Sports Specialist Özgün Özdemir stated that they attach great importance to sports in helping students develop healthy lifestyle habits and strengthen their self-confidence. Emphasizing that IUE provides 100 percent scholarships to national athletes under the protocol signed with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Özdemir also shared information about fencing:

“Fencing is an Olympic sport consisting of three different disciplines: épée, foil and sabre. The athletes first competed in individual bouts held over 15 points. Following the individual results, team matchups were formed. In team competitions, the athletes took to the piste in turn. The matches were played over nine 3-minute bouts, and the team that reached a total of 45 touches was declared the winner. Our students’ determination, team spirit and fighting power made us all very proud. We wanted the trophy very much and achieved our goal. I congratulate all our athletes and coaches who contributed to this success, and we are proud of our team that brought the championship to Izmir.”