Turkish wrestler wins gold, gets marriage proposal on mat

PARIS

Yasemin Adar had a wonderful night in Paris on Aug. 23 as she became the first ever Turkish female wrestler to win gold at a world championships – shortly before receiving a marriage proposal on the mat.

Twenty-five-year-old Adar beat Vasilisa Marzaliuk of Belarus 5-4 in the 75-kilogram category in the final match of the games in Paris.

As she was celebrating her gold medal, she was greeted just off the center mat by her boyfriend Erdem Yiğit, who is a coach for young wrestlers at the club where she trains. 

Yiğit kneeled down with a ring and a bouquet of roses to propose to Adar. Adar said “yes” to the proposal, state-run Anadolu Agency reported.

“I am really happy. I am proud of myself as I have let Turkish people experience this happiness,” she told state broadcaster TRT Spor after the medal ceremony.

“I made history by becoming the world champion. Our goal is now the Olympics,” Adar added.