TVF President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ assessed developments in Turkish volleyball during the Sports Desk program held at the International News Center in Istanbul. Üstündağ said the national women's team, which won the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League, is also targeting the European Championship title this year.
Üstündağ said Türkiye will host the European Championship, adding that hosting the tournament brings advantages as well as pressure and responsibility. Noting that the national team will compete in a 17,000-seat arena, Üstündağ said they want to keep the trophy in Türkiye after the final on Sept. 6.
Emphasis on harmony with Santarelli
Üstündağ said Daniele Santarelli, head coach of the national women's volleyball team, has an excellent rapport with the players. He said Santarelli's system was quickly adapted to the team, adding that they are pleased with the technical staff's performance and that the coach's contract runs through the end of the Olympics.
Üstündağ said Türkiye continues to rise in both women's and men's volleyball, noting that Türkiye ranks first in the combined women's and men's Volleyball Nations League standings. Referring to the most recent Champions League, Üstündağ said VakıfBank won the title and Eczacıbaşı finished second, adding that three Turkish teams could have occupied the top three if Fenerbahçe had not been eliminated in the golden set.
Men's national team targets quarterfinals
Üstündağ said the men's national team finished sixth in the most recent World Championship and Volleyball Nations League and is among the top 10 in the world rankings. He said the team recorded one win and 11 losses in 12 matches during its first season in the Volleyball Nations League three years ago, while reaching the final stage of the latest tournament with eight wins and four losses.
Recalling that the women's national team reached the semifinals at the Paris Olympics, Üstündağ said they also want the men's team to qualify for the Olympics and take a place on the podium. He said they are targeting the men's national team's first quarterfinal appearance or better at the European Championship.
Extensive player pool
Üstündağ said the women's and men's national teams have a broad pool of young players, noting that the women's team went to the first tournament stage with young players. He said the squad includes players born in 2009, adding that players who are ready can be called into the team when injuries occur.
Üstündağ said a team will take part in the Mediterranean Games and noted that the distribution of female and male players is equal across educational institutions. He said the federation is focused on developing facilities, education and sustainable success, adding that the technical staff will make selections based on performance.
Hosting international events
Üstündağ said Türkiye has successfully hosted international volleyball events and noted that clubs are supporting preparations for the European Championship. He said Galatasaray will also participate in the Champions League this year, adding that Türkiye has competed in the Champions League with four teams for the past two years and that he believes the success of Turkish clubs will continue to grow.
Education and sport pursued together
Üstündağ said the federation also attaches importance to athletes' education. He said the success rate at the high school affiliated with the federation is around 88 percent, the number of female and male students is equal, and boarding education, accommodation, meals and scholarships are provided for students.
Üstündağ said Turkish volleyball has won 88 medals in team sports over the past 10 years, adding that they are focused on development through constructive criticism. Saying that Türkiye is a sports country, Üstündağ noted that efforts continue to ensure that the women's and men's national teams take places on international podiums.
