MAKÜ, hosting the Inter-University Muay Thai Turkey Championship

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University is hosting one of the important organizations of university sports. The Inter-University Muay Thai Turkey Championship, organized by the Turkish University Sports Federation (TÜSF), started in Burdur between February 14-16, 2026.

In the championship attended by a total of 280 athletes from 61 universities from all over Turkey, athletes took to the mat for the Turkey championship. At the end of the three-day organization, athletes who achieve a degree will earn the right to represent Turkey in the World Muay Thai Championship to be held in Brazil this year.

The Goal is World Championship in Brazil

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Muay Thai Federation President Hasan Yıldız emphasized that there is a big goal ahead of the athletes. Reminding that the World Muay Thai Championship will be held in Brazil this year, Yıldız said that the athletes fighting on the mat will have the honor of representing the crescent-starred flag in the international arena.

Yıldız stated that their expectations are not only medals and asked the athletes to represent Turkey in the best way. Thanking the federation administrations and the host university for their contributions to the organization, Yıldız expressed his gratitude to everyone who worked hard throughout the year.

“Sport builds character”

The Rector of the host university of the championship, Hüseyin Dalgar, emphasized the unifying power of sports in his speech. Stating that they have achieved significant degrees nationally and internationally as a university, Dalgar expressed their satisfaction in hosting athletes within the scope of the camp and competition program.

Dalgar stated that the muay thai branch requires discipline, patience, and endurance, and said that sports is not only a physical struggle but also a character-building process. Emphasizing that the value of sports is not only in winning but also in sportsmanship, respect, and brotherhood, Dalgar wished for the organization to be completed in a spirit of sportsmanship and without injuries.

Dalgar stated that thanks to the facilities implemented with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the university hosts different branches throughout the year, hosting approximately 400 guests and mobilizing all facilities.

Birthday surprise for Rector Dalgar

At the end of the opening program, a surprise birthday celebration was held by the Turkish University Sports Federation for Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, who was born on February 14. Blowing out the candles on the cake, Dalgar thanked for the organization and reiterated his wishes for success to the athletes.

The Inter-University Muay Thai Turkey Championship will end with the determination of the champions after three days of competitions.