Balkan Indoor Athletics Championships returned its permanent home Istanbul in 5th of March. The Championships held attendance with 19 nations - including new ABAF member Malta, only three members were missing; Israel, Azerbaijan and war-torn Ukraine.
Balkan Indoor's top story written by 33-year old Albanian star Luiza Gega, who tied for most Balkan Indoor titles (8) achievement held by Gherghe Guşet from Romania. Gega was competed first in 1500 metres in Ataköy Arena and lost narrowly to Turkish up-and-comer Şilan Ayyıldız, who produced 4:12.78 with a stunning last lap kick.
After losing it, Gega lined up once again for 3000 metres in 45 minutes time. Competing against in-form local star Emine Hatun Tuna-Mechaal, wife of Spain's European record holder Adel Mechaal, and former European U23 champion Ancuta Bobocel, Luiza Gega secured her eighth Balkan Indoor title in that race. Tuna-Mechaal started to well-planned attack in the end, but Gega edged past her in the final stretch by her "crazy" speed.
Yet another Albanian, Izmir Smajlaj, took another gold for his country in Ataköy. Smajlaj, 2017 European Indoor champion, has jumped 7.79 metres and grabbed his fifth title in last six years. Smajlaj became first male athlete to win five long jump titles in Balkan Indoors.
Similarly, Armenian triple jumper Levon Aghasyan also secured fifth Balkan Indoor title in triple jump. 27-year old Aghasyan leapt 16.26 metres - 10 centimetres ahead of two rivals in the final.
In the men's 400 metres, Turkish youngsters impressed the spectators with hugely improved performances. In the B race, 2003-born Ismail Nezir shattered Turkish U20 record by 46.76, nearly half a second inside of his previous personal best. Then, former European U20 champion Ilyas Çanakçı has ruled the A race by ending it 46.58 personal best as well.
In 4x400 metres, Romania, Slovenia and Turkey were contested in a tight race at the end of the day. Romania clocked 3:10.36 by breaking championships record, 0.11 seconds ahead of Slovenia and third-placed Turkey.
In the women's side, Cypriot Olivia Fotopoulou strongly back to Ataköy Arena after her disappointment in last year with disqualification. She was crowned as 60 metres champion by defeating Serbia's Milana Trnanic. Her team-mate Natalia Christofi wins silver medal in 60m hurdles while she broke 8.10 secs national indoor record.
Tuğba Danışmaz, European U23 triple jump champion, easily won her second back-to-back Balkan Indoor titles after producing 14.14m national record, the mark beat her outdoor national record (14.09) as well.
Turkey topped the medal table fourth time in last seven editions by taking up to total of 18 medals with seven golds. With the absence of athletics power Ukraine, the Romanian team have placed second after Turkey, and Slovenia took the third spot in the medal table.
