Turkish boxer eyeing gold at summer Tokyo Olympics

By Berad Buyuk

ISTANBUL (AA) - Headed to Tokyo this summer after a coronavirus delay, a world champion Turkish boxer is itching to claim a gold medal in the Olympics ring.

Busenaz Surmeneli, who recently brought home a gold medal from Hungary’s Bocskai Istvan Memorial International Boxing Tournament, said sparring in such events is very important for testing her mettle before the summer games.

"Everything is going very well. We boosted both our performance and morale by winning the gold,” she told Anadolu Agency in an exclusive interview.

“Soon we’ll go to Bulgaria,” she added, referring to the 72nd Strandja International Boxing Tournament, starting Monday and lasting through Saturday. “I hope we’ll head home with good results.”

With three world and five European championships under her belt, the young 22-year-old boxer said she has been dreaming of winning a medal in the Olympics since her childhood.

Though boasting a number of impressive boxing honors, she admitted that bringing home a medal from Tokyo will fill an important gap.

"The Olympics are my childhood dream. I still live with a dream." she said.

She added: "I don't know what color the medal will be, but we have to shoot for higher goals. I’m picturing a gold medal, and I’m working towards that goal."

*Muhammed Enes Calli in Ankara