Who is Mehmet Akif Üstündağ?

Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, the current president of the Turkish Volleyball Federation, continues in his role after winning his third consecutive election victory. Emphasizing that clubs have played a major role in the rise of Turkish volleyball, Üstündağ stated that this support will continue to increase. He also shared the good news that the 2026 European Volleyball Championship will be held in Turkey. So, who is Mehmet Akif Üstündağ? Where is he from?

WHO IS MEHMET AKİF ÜSTÜNDAĞ?

Mehmet Akif Üstündağ was born on February 4, 1963, in Malatya and is a prominent figure in the world of Turkish sports. The 64-year-old Üstündağ began his career as a volleyball player and later continued as a coach and administrator. During his volleyball career, he played for Turkey's well-established sports clubs such as Köy Hizmetleri, Petrol Ofisi, Muhafızgücü, and Galatasaray. He has successfully utilized the experience he gained on the court in sports management, contributing to the rise of Turkish volleyball.

Elected as the 16th president of the Turkish Volleyball Federation (TVF) in 2016, Mehmet Akif Üstündağ has held the position ever since. During his tenure as federation president, Turkish volleyball has achieved significant success in the international arena, most notably making a major impact with the 2023 European Championship title of the Turkey Women's National Volleyball Team, the "Sultans of the Net." Üstündağ has stood out as the strategic leader behind the team in this success.

Having served at many levels in the volleyball world, Üstündağ has made great contributions to the promotion and development of volleyball both in Turkey and internationally during his transition from athlete to administrator. Having also served as an administrator at the Turkish Football Federation for a period, Üstündağ is known for his interest in and contributions to Turkish sports in general, not just volleyball.

Under Üstündağ's leadership, Turkish volleyball has gained wider recognition in international organizations, and Turkey has climbed to the top of world rankings. Supporting the successes of both men's and women's volleyball teams, Üstündağ is cited as one of the most influential administrators in Turkish sports.

MEHMET AKİF ÜSTÜNDAĞ RE-ELECTED AS TVF PRESIDENT

Having successfully served as President of the Turkish Volleyball Federation since 2016, Mehmet Akif Üstündağ continues in his role after winning the elections for the third consecutive time. The new board of directors includes Alper Sedat Aslandaş, Ersin Yılmaz, Mustafa Alparslan, İlker Dinçay, Altuğ Erim, Zeynep Aydınlar Eröğüt, Abdurrahim Yıldız, Simge Gündüz, Hasan Semih Oktay, and Bahar Mert.

Addressing the community after the election, Üstündağ expressed his happiness and stated that they had taken an important step for Turkish volleyball. Emphasizing that they are one of the most successful sports federations in Turkey, Üstündağ said, "This success is the result of great effort and the support of our clubs. Without our clubs, the federation would have no meaning on its own. Our support for our clubs will continue to increase, and we will always be proud of them."

Furthermore, sharing a heartening development for Turkish volleyball, Üstündağ announced that "the 2026 European Volleyball Championship will be held in Turkey" and expressed that this organization would be a great opportunity for the country's volleyball.