10-year-old Emir with cerebral palsy became Turkey champion in table tennis

Emir Yiğit Birlik, a 10-year-old with cerebral palsy (CP) living in Bodrum district of Muğla, succeeded in being selected for the national team with his achievements in table tennis.

Training in Ortakent Neighborhood, Emir won the Turkey doubles championship in the U23 Turkey Championship organized by the Turkish Table Tennis Federation, which he started about 2 years ago. He also earned third place in singles men class 8-9 category and second place in mixed doubles class 20 category in the same tournament.

Emir told an AA correspondent that meeting sports changed his life.

He explained that he was discovered by his coach at the course center: "My teacher noticed me at the course center and wanted me to try table tennis. I went to training the first day, liked it very much, and decided to continue."

Emir pointed out that he trains 6-7 hours a day during summer vacations: "As I improve myself, I get very happy. When I see what I can do, I get excited and wonder 'How did I accomplish this?' After becoming Turkey champion in Ankara, they held a celebration for me. My family and community felt proud of me. This made me very happy."

He stated that his goal is international competitions, expressing that his first aim is the European Championship, then the World Championship, and finally to represent Turkey at the Paralympic Games.

Pointing out that sports gave him strength, Emir advised disabled children to start sports for self-improvement.

- "Our biggest goal is the 2032 Paralympic Games"

Coach Furkan Mete Yiğit stated that they train almost every day with Emir and that his athlete has shown significant development in a short time.

Yiğit, who emphasized Emir's fast learning and discipline, said, "He is a very fast learner. He listens carefully to everything I say. Even if he cannot apply it immediately sometimes, he tries his best and continually learns. This effort makes me very happy. I believe he will achieve much greater successes in the future thanks to this character. Emir is my first disabled athlete. Of course, sometimes we face some difficulties, but we learn this process together."

Yiğit underlined Emir has a confident character and concluded his words as follows:

"He is an athlete at peace with himself. He never sees himself as incomplete and continues his daily life. For example, while waiting in line at the airport, he can naturally express that they can use the disabled passage. He sees this as part of his life. Our biggest goal is the 2032 Paralympic Games. Before that, we want to represent our country in the best way at the European and World championships. We aim to progress by collecting points at every event we attend."

Yiğit added that sports play a role more important than medals in terms of socialization and gaining self-confidence for disabled individuals.

10-year-old Emir with cerebral palsy became Turkey champion in table tennis

Emir Yiğit Birlik, a 10-year-old with cerebral palsy (CP) living in Bodrum district of Muğla, succeeded in being selected for the national team with his achievements in table tennis.