• Alihan Akgün, a student at Gazi University Faculty of Sports Sciences, licensed in five different disciplines, has been engaged in swimming, taekwondo, basketball, folk dances, and table tennis since childhood
• Akgün: “I want to become a table tennis teacher and join the national team”
• Halil Sarol: “Alihan is an important example of the active participation of individuals with Down syndrome in higher education”

March 21, 2026

Alihan Akgün, a second-year student in the Recreation Department at Gazi University Faculty of Sports Sciences, continues his education while drawing attention with his achievements thanks to his passion for sports and disciplined work. As one of the important examples of individuals with Down syndrome participating in higher education, Akgün earns appreciation with his determination.

Having been admitted to Gazi University through the Special Talent Exam in the 2024–2025 academic year, Akgün became the university’s first student with Down syndrome in formal education and continues his higher education actively. Since an early age, he has been involved in various sports such as swimming, taekwondo, basketball, folk dances, and table tennis, and holds licenses in five different disciplines.

Focusing on table tennis as the most suitable discipline for himself, Akgün achieved second place for two consecutive years in special athletes’ tournaments held in Ankara. He continues to pursue a life intertwined with sports with determination.

Expressing great satisfaction with university life, Akgün said: “I love my friends and professors at the university. Classes are so much fun. Doing sports makes me happy. In the future, I want to become a table tennis teacher and join the national team.”

Alihan also addressed others who want to study at university like him: “Education is great—do sports.”

Stating that he especially enjoys Prof. Halil Sarol’s class, Alihan noted that his mother brings him to university every day and picks him up afterward.

- “With love, patience, and proper support, success is inevitable”

Prof. Halil Sarol, Head of the Recreation Department at Gazi University Faculty of Sports Sciences, emphasized that they adopt an inclusive approach to the education of students with special needs.

He stated: “We try to ensure that exams are conducted at a level appropriate to these students’ abilities and that educational activities are carried out effectively and efficiently.”

Noting that students from different disability groups receive education at the faculty and that Alihan is a model student, Sarol said: “Alihan, with both his identity as an athlete and his determination in education, is an important indicator of the active participation of individuals with Down syndrome in higher education. In this respect, he is a student who can serve as an example for the entire country.”

Sarol also recalled that Gazi University has received significant awards and flags granted by the Council of Higher Education within the scope of barrier-free campus initiatives, adding that students with special needs are supported both academically and socially.

Referring to March 21 World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, he stated: “With love, patience, and proper support, success is inevitable.”

- Mother Akgün: “His success is our greatest happiness”

Alihan Akgün’s mother, Serpil Akgün, emphasized that they worked with great dedication throughout her son’s education process and that the success achieved is the result of many years of effort. Describing the moment Alihan was admitted to university as “indescribable happiness,” she said: “His biggest dream was to advance in sports. Now he continues his university education and is very happy. His happiness makes us happy too—we are proud.”

Highlighting the importance of family support, she added: “Families should stand by their children and never give up. With love, patience, and proper support, success always comes.”