Turkish athlete throws gold medal into Nile in protest over Gaza genocide

Turkish kung fu champion Necmettin Erbakan Akyuz threw his gold medal into the Nile River after the European Wushu Kung Fu Federation (EWKFF) stripped him of his title for expressing solidarity with Palestine.

Akyuz had recently secured gold at the European Kung Fu Championship 2024.

In a powerful video message recorded on the banks of the Nile in Cairo, he said, “Just like in every other field, Zionists act in the world of sports and make others act according to their interests, this happened after I became champion.”

During the European Wushu Kung Fu Championships held in Istanbul in December 2023, Akyuz raised the Palestinian flag and performed a traditional Dabke dance to celebrate his victory. 

Read: Pakistan says ‘world cannot afford another day of inaction’ on Gaza genocide

he gesture drew backlash from the federation, which considered the act a political statement. They launched an investigation and later nullified his championship.

“They threatened to take away my medals and end my career,” Akız said, revealing the pressure he faced from sports authorities.

In its official statement, the EWKFF said that "Some athletes were seen making political moves during the award ceremony, which go against our principles. We have taken immediate steps by meeting the athletes involved and issuing protest notices."

Defiantly addressing Israel, Akyuz declared, “As long as we exist, these lands will never belong to you.”