Medipol student and National Athlete sets sights on European championship

Sami Onur Keleş, an 18-year-old para table tennis player born without one arm and using prostheses on both legs, is aiming for the championship title at the European Para Youth Games, where he will compete for the second time. The Istanbul Medipol University student continues to inspire with his determination and achievements.
 

A SUCCESS STORY THAT BEGAN WITH TABLE TENNIS
Born and raised in Sakarya, Keleş was introduced to table tennis during middle school. What started as a recreational activity with friends gradually evolved into a professional sporting career during his high school years.

Having competed professionally for nearly five years, Keleş continues to pursue his athletic ambitions while studying in the Department of Orthotics and Prosthetics at Istanbul Medipol University’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

The young athlete has earned numerous accolades in national competitions and represented Türkiye last year as a member of the U23 National Para Table Tennis Team at the European Para Youth Games held in Istanbul.

 

“MY PHYSICAL EDUCATION TEACHER CHANGED MY LIFE”
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Keleş said that discipline and purposeful training have been the foundation of his success. He described meeting his high school physical education teacher, Semih Yenihayat, as a turning point in his life.

“My teacher was someone who showed me what was right and wrong, both in sports and in life. He never pushed me unnecessarily, but always stepped in at the right moment and in the right way when I needed guidance.” he said.

Keleş added that a heavy defeat he suffered during a major tournament in ninth grade ultimately helped him improve and grow as an athlete.

“I began focusing more on my mistakes rather than the things I was already doing well. That approach helped me progress. I also tried to learn something from every tournament I attended. I worked to become the best version of myself, both as an athlete and as a person.”

PROSTHETIC EXPERIENCE SHAPED HIS CAREER CHOICE
Keleş noted that when he first began competing professionally, he questioned whether his prostheses would limit his performance. Over time, however, he learned how to adjust them to best suit his needs and athletic goals.
 

That experience ultimately influenced his academic and professional aspirations. Now studying Orthotics and Prosthetics at Istanbul Medipol University, Keleş hopes to specialize in the field and help others facing similar challenges.

“I realized that orthotics and prosthetics was the right profession for me. I want to specialize in this field and show people what I have experienced, as well as the importance of perseverance and self-reliance,” he said.

“FAMILIES SHOULD ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN TO ENGAGE WITH LIFE”
Emphasizing the importance of family support for individuals with disabilities, Keleş said his family never restricted him or kept him isolated from social life.

 

“My family never pressured me or kept me at home. I always participated in activities, went outside, and had many friends. I experienced different environments and social settings. Families need to support their children and encourage them to be part of life." he said.
 

Keleş currently trains at the Muhsin Yazıcıoğlu Sports Complex in Bahçelievler, Istanbul, which he described as an important facility offering opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in sports.
 

“I WANT TO REPRESENT TÜRKİYE AGAIN”
Reflecting on his experience of wearing the national team jersey, Keleş described it as one of the most meaningful moments of his life.

“When we first received our national team uniforms, I didn’t fully grasp the significance of it. But once I stepped onto the court wearing that jersey, I understood where I was, what I represented, and who had helped me get there. It was an incredible feeling. After years of hard work, sacrifice, and dedication, you are no longer competing only for yourself—you are competing on behalf of 85 million people.”

Although proud of his achievements so far, Keleş believes he still has more to accomplish with the national team. He hopes to once again wear the Turkish jersey at the European Para Youth Games and represent his country at the highest level.

“I want to become champion in the under-23 category and, God willing, wear the national jersey again. I want to represent those 85 million people once more. For me, my journey with the national team is unfinished. I don’t feel that I have fully represented my country yet. I have unfinished business, and I intend to complete it.”
 

The full interview was originally published by Anadolu Agency.