President Erdoğan: We have provided strong support to every branch of sports

President Erdoğan hosted the A National Women's Volleyball Team, which became the European champion by defeating Italy 3-2 in the Trendyol 2026 CEV European Championship, and the A National Men's Volleyball Team at the Presidential Complex. In his speech during the reception, President Erdoğan said, "Valuable executives of our Turkish Volleyball Federation, precious executives and players of our A National Women's Volleyball Team, dear athletes; I greet you with my most heartfelt feelings, with love and respect. Welcome to our Presidential Complex.

First of all, I congratulate our A National Women's Volleyball Team with all its staff on behalf of myself and my nation for becoming European champions for the second time in a row by defeating Italy in the final played over the weekend. Likewise, I congratulate all our athletes who have achieved degrees in international competitions in different age groups and categories, and I want you to know that I am proud of each and every one of you," he said.

Congratulating the A National Volleyball Team, President Erdoğan said, "Last week, Istanbul truly witnessed a different kind of excitement. We won the cup we earned in Belgium in 2023, three years later, this time in our own home, in front of our fans, and with a historic comeback. We raised our flag to the mast again and made the whole world listen to our National Anthem once more. As the A National Team, you reached the championship with a true team spirit, without compromising your determination from the first match to the final. You showed once again that we have a national character that never gives up, no matter the circumstances, by lifting the cup for the second time.

Our fans, who filled the stands with enthusiasm, also created a magnificent atmosphere and gave you very strong support. Likewise, millions of our citizens who followed you from their screens became one heart for the 'Sultans of the Net'. Along with you, I convey my appreciation and congratulations to everyone who contributed to this victory, from our equipment staff to our medical team, and from our technical staff to our executives," he said.

Stating that they have provided strong support to every branch of sports, President Erdoğan said, "Precious athletes, as the government, we have provided strong support to every branch of sports since the first day we took office. We have stood by our athletes and clubs in every area they needed, from stadiums to sponsors, both financially and morally, and in every way. Our teams, which once had to train in makeshift sports halls with limited resources, are now preparing for matches and developing themselves in modern facilities that are admired worldwide.

We are very pleased to see the results of these massive investments we have made in sports, especially in volleyball. I believe that we will reach much better places, God willing. As a matter of fact, 2026 has been a year in which we have run from success to success in volleyball, both at the national team and club levels. As the 'Sultans of the Net', you have reached the top in the Nations League and the European Championship. Our B National Team became undefeated champions in the Mediterranean Games held in Italy. Our Galatasaray and VakıfBank clubs brought the Champions League and CEV Cups to our country," he stated.

Expressing his belief that the A National Volleyball Team will win the championship at the 2028 Olympics, President Erdoğan noted the following: "On the other hand, our U18 girls' national team completed the U18 European Championship in Latvia and our U17 girls' national team completed the World Championship in Chile with silver medals. Our Turkish Volleyball Federation Sports High School men's team, following their first-place finish in 2024, experienced the pride of being champions for the second time at the 2026 World Championship held in China. In other words, we have had a year that is proud in every respect and promising for the future. Now, we have the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games ahead of us, for which we have guaranteed our participation. I have no doubt that we will reach the championship there as well, God willing. We believe, we trust in ourselves, and with God's permission, we will succeed. I pray that the Almighty makes our path and fortune clear and keeps you from harm. With these thoughts, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to bringing our volleyball to these days, especially our athletes and technical staff who brought the first international success to Turkish volleyball by finishing second in the European Championship in 2003. I congratulate you all again, wish each of you great success, and now let us begin the new period with great determination, God willing."

Speaking at the reception, Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak congratulated the A National Volleyball Team and said, "We thank you and express our gratitude to your Excellency for the support you have given to this sport."

Turkish Volleyball Federation President Akif Üstündağ, A National Women's Volleyball Team Head Coach Daniele Santarelli, and the athletes thanked President Erdoğan for the reception.

In addition to Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, Turkish Volleyball Federation President Akif Üstündağ, A National Women's Volleyball Team Head Coach Daniele Santarelli, and Communications Director Burhanettin Duran were also present at the reception.

News Source: 12punto