Education
Hamit Kaplan, weighing 100 kg at his 1.90 m height, was a defensive wrestler, who finished much of his matches in draw.
Hamit Kaplan, weighing 100 kg at his 1.90 m height, was a defensive wrestler, who finished much of his matches in draw.
Born in Hamamözü town in Amasya Province, he began wrestling as a youngster in the traditional Turkish sport Yağlı güreş (oil wrestling). Hamit Kaplan was admitted to the national team in 1954 and was trained by the renowned wrestler Celal Atik for his skill. Already at his age of 22, he represented Turkey at the World Championships held in Karlsruhe, Germany and ranked 3rd in the Greco-Roman style.
He was 175 times international for his country.
He died on 5 January 1976, at the age of only 41, following a traffic accident in Çorum. He was laid to rest in his hometown Hamamözü.
A sports hall with 1,000 seats in Amasya and another small one in Hamamözü are named after him. 1955 Mediterranean Games in Barcelona, Spain - gold (Greco-Roman Heavyweight).