İstanbul Gelişim University, which draws attention for its investments in sport, its modern infrastructure, and the support it provides to national athletes alongside its academic achievements, continues to bring pride on the international stage. Believing that sport is not merely a physical achievement but also a matter of discipline, determination, and character development, IGU continues to contribute to Turkish sport through the successful athletes it produces. One of the latest examples of these achievements is Elif Sude Akgül. The national athlete, a second-year student in the Coaching Education Department of Istanbul Gelisim University's Faculty of Sport Sciences, won the European Championship in the women's 49 kg category at the European Senior Taekwondo Championships held in Germany, bringing immense pride to both Türkiye and her university.
Strong Support for Young Athletes from IGU
Having accumulated important achievements in her career as a young athlete, Elif Sude Akgül defeated a series of strong opponents on her road to the championship to rise to the top of Europe.The national athlete defeated Portugal's Matilde Ferreira in the round of 16, Andorra's Naiara Linan Pardo in the quarterfinal, and Spain's Adriana Cerezo Iglesias, regarded as one of the major figures in European taekwondo, in the semifinal to advance to the final. In the final match against Serbian athlete Andrea Bokan, Elif Sude Akgül won 2–1 to claim the gold medal.
With this historic achievement, the young athlete claimed the European Championship title and inscribed her name in golden letters in the history of Turkish sport.
A Message of Support from IGU Board of Trustees Chair Abdülkadir Gayretli
After the European Championship, Elif Sude Akgül met with IGU Board of Trustees Chair Abdülkadir Gayretli and was congratulated by the university management on her achievement. Gayretli presented the national athlete with a gift at the meeting and expressed the pride he felt at her historic achievement.Stressing that they stand by the successful athlete not only in her sporting career but also in her education, Gayretli noted that Elif Sude Akgül would also receive support for her graduate studies. Drawing attention to Istanbul Gelisim University's educational philosophy that also values athletes' academic development, Gayretli expressed his belief that the young national athlete will achieve even greater successes in the future.
From World Runner-Up to European Champion
Elif Sude Akgül's journey of international success is not limited to the European Championship alone. The national athlete had previously claimed the silver medal at the 2025 World Taekwondo Championships held in China, winning the runner-up title at just 19 years of age, and had drawn attention on the international stage.A world runner-up at 19 and a European Champion at 20, the successful athlete gives great hope for the future of Turkish sport with her determination, discipline, and fighting spirit.
Next Goal: An Olympic Medal
Elif Sude Akgül, who aims to crown her European and world achievements with an Olympic medal, continues her training at an intensive pace. The Turkish sports community is following the young champion's upcoming achievements with great excitement.A Strong Contribution from IGU to Turkish Sport
İstanbul Gelişim University continues to contribute to national athletes' international achievements by supporting its students' sporting careers alongside their academic development. Thanks to the educational approach, applied work, and athlete support provided within IGU's Faculty of Sport Sciences, IGU students achieve important successes not only in academia but also in international sporting events.Elif Sude Akgül's European Championship also stands out as one of the important indicators of the university's commitment to sport and the support it provides to young athletes.
