From the DeskDespite his regret at not making it to the Indian finals, Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec, who became a viral sensation during the Olympics in Paris, is surrounded by fervent fans. Delhi, New Delhi: Even though Yusuf Dikec has been to India several times, he has never encountered such a fervour at the Karni Singh Shooting Range. Everywhere on Tuesday, Dikec was being pursued by people looking for autographs and selfies. The Turkish shooter is also adjusting to his fame after his smooth pistol technique went viral during the Olympics in Paris.
Yusuf Dikec, a pistol shooter from Turkey, won a silver medal at the Olympics in Paris. With the weapon in one hand and the other in his pocket, he looked really cool at the Paris range as he aimed for the target at the age of fifty-one. He stood out from the other competitors thanks to his sharp features, regular glasses, lack of protective gear, and the fact that he didn’t wear a headset or eye patch while filming. He became famous right away as his eye-catching pose went viral on social media. The fact that Dikac was participating in his fifth Olympics and had been maintaining his stance for years was irrelevant.
Dikec, a silver medallist at the Paris Olympics, is taken aback by his sudden fame. Since I first began playing the sport, I have been shooting in this manner, although no one has ever noticed. They now swarm me anywhere I go, whether it’s to the market, the shooting range, or the airport,” Dikec adds. He prefers to be left alone on certain days. He was upset not to make it to the 10m air pistol final on Tuesday. All eyes were on Dikec as he watched his countryman Bugra Selimzade from the Finals range. Fans surrounded Dikec as soon as the final ended, and officials pressed him for an autograph and selfie.
He complied calmly until the crowd increased. Dikec laughs as he explains, “I am happy to get so much love from people, but sometimes I get angry.” “After the Olympics in Paris, my life has changed, but I’m still shooting and training as usual. At home, we celebrated. As I win the medal in Paris, my kid is overjoyed.The fact that I have a medal after five Olympics makes me the happiest. It will contribute to the growing popularity of shooting in Turkey.
“Young people are already showing interest in the sport,” says Dikec, who shared silver with Sevval Ilayda Tarhan in the mixed team competition. Dikec responds quickly when asked about the popular stance, saying, “I don’t use any equipment because it makes me relax.” I am able to focus more effectively. Dikec’s love and enthusiasm for shooting have not diminished over the years, and his admirers might even get to see him at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Inika Manohar
