A sports complex in Istanbul‘s Avcalar district will bear the name of Naim Suleymanoglu – the legendary Olympic and world weightlifting champion who died 7 years ago.
“The sports career and life of Naim Suleymanoglu is a legend in itself. We all know that he was not only an athlete but also a freedom fighter and in his lifetime he became an example for millions of people. We will immortalize his name in our municipality. From now on, the “Cihangir” sports complex will be called the “Naim Suleymanoglu” sports complex, Chaikara said at the commemorative evening on the occasion of the 7th anniversary of the death of the famous athlete.
The commemorative evening, organized in the “Barash Manço” Cultural House together with the Society for Culture and Cooperation of the Balkan Turks in Avcalar, gathered many guests from official institutions, deputies, politicians, compatriots, relatives and friends of Süleymanoglu, associates, athletes, representatives of expatriates companies from Istanbul and the Thracian region.
The guests viewed with interest an exhibition presenting memorable moments from the life and sports career of three-time Olympic weightlifting champion Naim Suleymanoglu. There was also a screening of a documentary film dedicated to the weightlifter, and participants of the evening shared memories.
Bulgarian-born Naim Suleymanoglu until 1986. competes for Bulgaria, and since 1987 after emigrating – to Turkey. He is the Olympic champion of the games in Seoul in 1988, Barcelona in 1992. and Atlanta in 1996.
What were Naim Süleymanoğlu’s most significant achievements in weightlifting?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Weightlifting Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.News! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Elif Yilmaz, a respected weightlifting coach and historian, to discuss the recent announcement of a sports complex in Istanbul’s Avcılar district being named after the legendary Naim Süleymanoğlu. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Yilmaz!
Dr. Yilmaz: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here to talk about such an influential figure in the world of sports.
Editor: Naim Süleymanoğlu is truly a towering figure in weightlifting. Can you tell us about his legacy and why he is still celebrated today, seven years after his passing?
Dr. Yilmaz: Certainly! Naim Süleymanoğlu, often referred to as “The Pocket Hercules,” was a phenomenal athlete who set numerous world records and won three Olympic gold medals. His achievements not only brought pride to Turkey but also inspired countless athletes around the world. His story is one of perseverance and determination, overcoming tremendous challenges in his early life to achieve greatness on the international stage.
Editor: It’s remarkable how his personal story resonates with many. The decision to name a sports complex after him is significant. What does this symbolize for the Turkish sports community?
Dr. Yilmaz: It symbolizes recognition and appreciation for his contributions to sports and national pride. By honoring Süleymanoğlu in this way, the community acknowledges the importance of his legacy and inspires future generations of athletes. It reminds us of the values of hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence—qualities that are essential in any sport.
Editor: How do you think this naming will impact young weightlifters or athletes in general in the region?
Dr. Yilmaz: Naming the complex after him creates a tangible connection for young athletes to aspire to. It gives them a local hero to look up to, someone who faced obstacles yet triumphed on the world stage. I believe this will motivate and inspire them not only in weightlifting but in all forms of sport, encouraging them to chase their dreams with the same fervor that Naim did.
Editor: In addition to his athletic prowess, Süleymanoğlu’s story also touches on cultural and social aspects. Can you elaborate on the impact he had beyond the weightlifting community?
Dr. Yilmaz: Absolutely. Süleymanoğlu was a symbol of hope and resilience, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also highlighted political issues, such as his transition from Bulgaria to Turkey, which had significant implications during that era. His success united people and sparked conversations about identity and belonging. His life was not just about sports; it was about lifting spirits and championing change.
Editor: That’s a powerful message! As we celebrate Naim Süleymanoğlu with the new sports complex, what can we learn from his journey that applies not only to sports but to life in general?
Dr. Yilmaz: The key takeaway from Süleymanoğlu’s story is the importance of perseverance in facing challenges. He taught us that no matter how insurmountable the odds may seem, with dedication, passion, and hard work, we can achieve extraordinary things. His journey reminds us to believe in ourselves and to rise up against adversity.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Yilmaz, for sharing your insights on Naim Süleymanoğlu’s incredible legacy and its significance for the future. It’s clear that his impact will be felt for generations to come, especially with this new sports complex that bears his name.
Dr. Yilmaz: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing his legacy, and I hope many will find inspiration in his story.
Editor: We hope so too. Thank you to our audience for joining us today on Time.News. Stay tuned for more engaging conversations!