Turkish kung fu champion Necmettin Erbakan Akyüz made headlines recently by throwing his gold medal into the Nile River to protest perceived Israeli genocide in Palestine. Akyüz's statement, "My success is not more important than a single drop of blood of oppressed Palestinians," highlights his commitment to shedding light on the suffering of Palestinians, showcasing his solidarity during a challenging time.

The investigation against Akyüz arose following his display of support for Palestine at the European Kung Fu Championship Award ceremony in 2024. Awarded a gold medal for his achievement, Akyüz took a bold stand that resonated with his values and beliefs. In a heartfelt video shared on his X page, Akyüz articulated that no personal triumph could overshadow the plight of those in Palestine, emphasizing the urgency of the issue.

During his remarks, Akyüz described the situation as dire, stating, "No success I have achieved is more important than a single drop of blood of the oppressed in Palestine." His words reflect a powerful call for awareness and action regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

The context of this protest became more significant after the Wushu Kungfu Federation of Europe announced an investigation into Akyüz's displays of political support during the European Wushu Kungfu Championship in Istanbul in December 2023. Akyüz had unfurled a Palestinian flag after his victory, sparking controversy and prompting an investigation by the Turkish Wushu Kung Fu Federation.

Akyüz's actions have sparked widespread conversations about athletes' roles in political matters, shedding light on personal sacrifice for a greater cause. His dedication to advocating for Palestine demonstrates the interconnectedness of sports and activism in today's world.

Source: https://muslimnews.com.ng/2025/05/28/turkiye-kung-fu-champion-throws-medal-into-nile-to-protest-euro-championship-support-for-israeli-genocide-in-palestine/