Buğra Kaan Atsız, a second-year student in the Forensic Sciences Department at Üsküdar University, and Kerem Akçin, a student in the Medical Documentation and Secretariat Program, brought pride to their university with the championships they achieved in the rings. The two students, who try to balance their studies, training, and work lives, stated that disciplined work and the support of their families and coaches were decisive in their success.
He Reached the National Team in Kickboxing, Starting with His Father's Support
Buğra Kaan Atsız explained that he was introduced to kickboxing through his father's guidance, stating that his sports journey, which began with world champion coach Orhan Doğan, gradually transformed into a national team goal. Atsız described his start in sports and the process of being selected for the national team as follows:
“I am Buğra Kaan Atsız. I am a second-year student in the Forensic Sciences Department at Üsküdar University and actively involved in kickboxing. My journey with kickboxing began with my father. Since childhood, I was a child who loved fighting. That's why my father took me to Avcılar, to the side of my current coach, world champion Orhan Doğan, whom he also knew. This is how I got into kickboxing. On my way to becoming a national athlete, I participated in various tournaments in Istanbul and qualified to compete in the Turkish Championship. Then, this year, with my successes in two Turkish championships and one World Cup, I qualified to join the national team.”
“We Worked and Toiled for a Year and a Half for This Championship”
Atsız, who reached the World Cup championship of 2026, stated that a long preparation period and sacrifice were behind the success. Atsız, who expressed that he struggled most with managing work, school, social life, and training concurrently during this process, conveyed the support of his coaches Orhan Doğan and Tolga Doğan, and his father, with these words:
“The process leading to the championship was very long and arduous. We worked and toiled for about a year and a half for this championship. We made sacrifices when necessary. During this process, my coaches Orhan Doğan and Tolga Doğan, who were by my side, supported me in all training sessions. My father was always behind me. The most challenging part was trying to manage my work, school, social life, and training all at once.”
“Waving Our Turkish Flag in Italy is an Indescribable Feeling”
Atsız emphasized that representing Turkey in an international organization was a great source of pride for him, stating that the championship was not just a sporting achievement but also the reward for long-term effort.
Atsız described his feelings as follows:
“First and foremost, I must say it is something very proud. The pride and happiness of waving our Turkish flag in Italy and having our National Anthem heard by so many countries there is an indescribable feeling. Leaving as a champion and receiving the reward for all our efforts is also an indescribable feeling.”
Atsız stated that at the moment of championship, he felt a great relief in addition to joy and pride, and said that he wanted to share this happiness first with his family and coaches:
“The first thing that came to my mind was the joy, pride, and relief that came from getting what I deserved for the struggle I had given. I wanted to share this success first with my family, and then with Coach Orhan and Coach Tolga, two people I respect and love, who supported me throughout this process.”
Professors and Friends at Üsküdar University Support His Educational Journey
Atsız explained that maintaining a national sports career and university education concurrently requires an intense pace, stating that the support of his professors and classmates at Üsküdar University played a significant role in this process.
Atsız, stating that he specifically allocates time for his lessons during competition and training periods, said:
“Although it is difficult and busy, with the support of both our professors and my classmates, I am able to fill the academic gap created. During intense training periods, I try to maintain balance by removing everything else from my life and focusing solely on my lessons and training.”
Atsız also drew attention to the academic support at the university, saying, “When I go to my professors to make up for my missed classes when I'm away for tournaments, they never turn me down. They always support me with my studies and show understanding.”
Atsız, stating that he wants to add new international achievements following his World Cup championship, also expressed his goal with the words, “In the coming years, to represent our country in the national team, wave our flag, and both announce and have our National Anthem memorized by the whole world.”
Kerem Akçin Crowned His Istanbul Championship with the Technical Boxer Award
Kerem Akçin, a student in the Medical Documentation and Secretariat Program at Üsküdar University, was awarded the “Most Technical Boxer of the Tournament” in addition to his championship in the +90 kg category at the Istanbul Boxing Championship.
Akçin, who is only 18 years old, stated that he started boxing, a sport he had been interested in since childhood, with his father's support, and explained that sports gradually became an integral part of his life:
“I am originally from Kırklareli, but born and raised in Istanbul. Boxing was a sport I wanted to get involved in since childhood. With my father's support, I started this sport. With the support and discipline of my coach, training gradually became a regular part of my life. As I started to compete in matches, improve myself, and set goals, my dedication to boxing increased.”
“Despite Everything, I Completed the Tournament as Champion”
Akçin stated that in the process leading to the Istanbul championship, he not only underwent intense training but also dealt with injuries, and said that he continued his work life and sports activities concurrently.
Akçin evaluated his preparation period with the words, “I went through an exhausting and intense training process. Between runs, training sessions, injuries, and work life, despite everything, I completed the tournament as champion.”
Akçin stated that the “Most Technical Boxer of the Tournament” award he received alongside the championship held a special meaning for him and his coaches, saying, “Receiving this award as a reward for my efforts was a source of pride and honor for me and my coaches.”
He Focuses on Footwork, Distance Control, and Defense in the Ring
Akçin, stating that his technical development holds an important place in his training program, mentioned that he enters every competition with preparation tailored to his opponent. The young athlete, explaining that he carries out technical and tactical work under the guidance of his coaches, provided the following information:
“In the ring, I especially prioritize developing myself in footwork, distance control, and defense. We work on a different technique and tactic for each opponent. We also prepare for competitions with the advice of our coaches.”
His New Goal is to Represent Üsküdar University in the Turkish Boxing Championship
Akçin, who continues his education at Üsküdar University alongside his training, described his daily schedule with the words, “I come to school during the day and advance the process by doing our training sessions at our club in the evening.”
Akçin emphasized that the achievements he gained at a young age provide motivation for new goals, and said that his next goal is to successfully represent Üsküdar University in inter-university competitions:
“The successes I achieved at a young age actually showed me that I am at the beginning of my journey. Every match I won and every rank I achieved allowed me to see what I can accomplish when I work correctly. My next goal is to represent our university in the best possible way at the Inter-University Turkish Boxing Championship.”
“Focus on Development More Than Results”
Akçin, offering advice based on his experiences to young people who wish to pursue a sports career alongside university education, emphasized the importance of patience, time management, and consistent work.
Akçin, stating that boxing instilled discipline and responsibility in him even outside the ring, concluded his words as follows:
“I would first advise friends who are new to boxing to be patient and to focus on development more than results. It is very normal to struggle, make mistakes, or not get the desired results immediately at first. The important thing is to learn from these and be able to continue. For those who want to pursue a sports career alongside university education, I recommend them to plan their time well and work consistently without giving up on their goals. I am also in this process and believe that boxing has taught me to be disciplined and take responsibility not only in the ring but also in other areas of life.”
