Ukraine Claims Second Place at European Boxing Championships with Four Medals, Highlighted by Elvin Aliyev’s Gold and Hanna Okhota’s Silver

Amateur Boxing European Championships

According to НОК: At the ongoing European Amateur Boxing Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria, Ukrainian athletes have secured two significant podium finishes. Elvin Aliyev captured the gold medal in the 65 kg weight class, while Hanna Okhota earned silver in the 48 kg division. Overall, Ukraine has collected a total of four medals-one gold, one silver, and two bronze-placing the nation second in the medal rankings.

Highlights of Ukraine’s Boxing Triumphs

Elvin Aliyev began his championship journey in the round of 16 with a victory over a Belgian opponent. He advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Milk Hasanov from Azerbaijan, then dominated Moldova’s Alexandr Paraskiv in the semifinals, winning every round decisively. In the final match, Aliyev secured a remarkable first-round stoppage against French boxer Hugo Grau, marking a historic achievement as Ukraine’s first male European boxing champion since 2019. The last to hold this title was Oleksandr Khizhniak, who won gold at the European Championships held during the 2019 European Games.

Hanna Okhota also delivered an impressive performance, initiating her medal run by defeating Lilla Szeleski from Hungary in the round of 16. She continued her success by overcoming Nurselen Yalgettekin of Turkey in the semifinals. Okhota’s final bout ended in a tough loss, earning her the silver medal.

With four medals secured, Ukraine ranks second overall in the team medal standings at the championships. On the final day, Ukrainian boxer Ayder Abduraymov is set to compete for the European title, aiming to further elevate the country’s standing.

These achievements underscore the advanced preparation and skill level of Ukraine’s boxing squad, showcasing their strength on the European stage. The successes of Aliyev and Okhota not only highlight the sustained growth of boxing in Ukraine but also serve as inspiration for emerging athletes. Abduraymov’s upcoming fight for gold could provide even greater momentum for Ukraine’s future in international boxing competitions.

As Ukraine continues to shine in various sports, the recent achievements at the European Boxing Championships follow closely on the heels of other impressive performances, such as the three medals won by Ukrainian athletes at the European Junior Judo Championship. These successes reflect the country's growing prowess in combat sports and highlight the dedication of its athletes on the international stage.