The International Yaşar Doğu, Vehbi Emre and Hamit Kaplan Tournament is a ranking wrestling event named after legends of Turkish wrestling, and it brings wrestlers to Türkiye from around the world every season. In 2026 it took place from 7 to 11 January at the Göynük Atatürk Sports Hall in Kemer, with Greco-Roman, freestyle and women’s wrestling. Around a thousand athletes, coaches and team members attended. Here’s the story behind the tournament and practical information for teams travelling to Kemer in winter.
The tournament at a glance
- 2026 dates: 7–11 January 2026
- Venue: Göynük Atatürk Sports Hall, Kemer
- Styles: Greco-Roman, freestyle and women’s wrestling
- Attendance: around 1,000 athletes, coaches and team staff
- Note: the 43rd Vehbi Emre & Hamit Kaplan Tournament was held together with the 2026 Yaşar Doğu Tournament
The three names behind the tournament
- Yaşar Doğu: Olympic champion at London 1948 and an icon of Turkish freestyle wrestling.
- Hamit Kaplan: heavyweight freestyle Olympic champion at Melbourne 1956.
- Vehbi Emre: a wrestler and administrator who served Turkish wrestling and gave his name to one of its most important tournaments.
As an early-season ranking event, the tournament draws many national teams to Kemer in January. In 2026, Türkiye won the Greco-Roman team title.
Why Kemer in January?
January is Kemer’s quietest month for tourism. On sunny days the weather is good for walking and light training, and the beaches are almost empty. The hall in Göynük lets teams train and compete in the same area. Göynük is just north of central Kemer, about 5–6 km away.
Accommodation for teams
For wrestling teams, weight management, regular meal times, a short trip to the venue and a quiet place to rest all shape the choice of accommodation. Kemer Royal Beach Hotel is in central Kemer, a short drive from Göynük, with the town centre and seafront within walking distance in the evening. For team bookings, room allocation or questions about meal times, contact us on WhatsApp. Individual visitors can check availability here. For winter dates, take a look at our special offers.
Frequently asked questions
Where was the 2026 Yaşar Doğu Tournament held?
At the Göynük Atatürk Sports Hall in Kemer, from 7 to 11 January 2026.
Which styles are contested?
Greco-Roman, freestyle and women’s wrestling.
When is the next tournament?
Dates are announced each season by the Turkish Wrestling Federation and on the international wrestling calendar. Follow the federation for 2027 dates.
Related events
Kemer’s combat sports calendar continues in March with the IFMA International Antalya Open Muaythai Cup. For team training camps, see our sports camps guide, and for the whole year, the Kemer events calendar.
Cover photo: Petty Officer 2nd Class Jennifer A. Villalovos, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain. Adapted with typography.