Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) has achieved another significant success in the field of sports. Emre Üstündağ, a fourth-year student in the Department of Special Education at the Ereğli Faculty of Education, won the bronze medal ranking third in Türkiye in the C2 category at the Three-Cushion Turkish Championship organized by the Turkish Billiards Federation. Üstündağ became the first athlete from Zonguldak to earn a medal at the Turkish Championship level in the sport of billiards.
Putting in an outstanding performance in the organization, held between 30 June-6 July 2026, where successful athletes from various parts of Türkiye compete, Emre Üstündağ made BEUN and Zonguldak proud.
A first in Zonguldak in the Sport of Billiards
Standing out with his successful competition, Üstündağ advanced to semifinals defeating his rivals and completed C2 category in third place in Türkiye. Üstündağ's achievement is particularly significant as it marks the first medal won by an athlete representing Zonguldak in the sport of billiards at the Turkish Championship level. At the award ceremony held following the championship, Üstündağ received his bronze medal and trophy from Yağmur Arslan, Vice President of the Turkish Billiards Federation.
Rector Özölçer: "Our Student's Achievement Is a Great Source of Pride for Our University and Zonguldak"
Commenting on the achievement, BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer stated:
"Our Special Education Teaching student, Emre Üstündağ, winning the bronze medal by finishing third at the Three-Cushion Turkish Championship organized by the Turkish Billiards Federation is a source of pride and joy for all of us. What makes this remarkable achievement even more meaningful is that it represents the first medal won by an athlete from Zonguldak in the sport of billiards at the Turkish Championship level. This success is also a clear reflection of our student's determination, discipline, and fighting spirit.
As Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, we attach great importance not only to the academic development of our students but also to their growth in sports, culture, and the arts. We take great pride in seeing them successfully represent our country, our city, and our University on every platform. Every achievement earned by our students is one of the finest reflections of our University's vision of educating highly qualified individuals.
With these thoughts, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak, and the entire Ministry of Youth and Sports family for their support of our athletes. I also extend my appreciation to the President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the YÖK family for their valuable contributions to the development of our universities and the opportunities they provide for our students.
I wholeheartedly congratulate our esteemed student, Emre Üstündağ. I also extend my sincere thanks to his coaches, to the President of the Turkish Billiards Federation, Ersan Ercan, and the Federation's distinguished executives, as well as to our academics who have contributed to his development. I wish our valued student continued and even greater success in both his higher education journey and his sporting career."
