Mehmet Akif Üstündağ: Our Country of Volleyball – Every Home Has Volleyball / Vezir Ajans
Turkey’s Volleyball Triumphs: An In-depth Perspective from President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ
In a compelling declaration, Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, President of the Turkish Volleyball Federation, highlighted the extraordinary achievements of Turkish volleyball over recent years. He emphasized that these successes are far from mere coincidence, attributing them to a robust and strategic infrastructure development plan that has been consistently prioritized.
Üstündağ stated, “We have long believed that a resilient foundation is essential for sustainable success in volleyball. Our commitment to investing in infrastructure over the years has been unwavering. Our philosophy has always been that volleyball is built upon a solid base, which manifests in the impressive performance of our teams today. We didn’t want to celebrate success only in words but to validate it through deliberate actions. Today’s results are a testament to this approach. Volleyball has now permeated every household in Turkey. It is a common topic of conversation in homes across the nation, transforming Turkey into a true volleyball nation. Achieving this status requires more than slogans; it demands consistent effort on the court, ongoing investments, and ensuring the continuity of development programs. The surge in interest observed during recent tournaments serves as the most tangible indicator of this progress.”
He further pointed out that Turkey’s excellence isn’t limited to the senior national teams but extends impressively across youth categories worldwide. “Our current standings in U16, U17, U19, and U20 categories place Turkey among the global elite,” Üstündağ explained. “Being in the A classification — the top tier in world rankings — signifies that we are among the top eight countries globally. Remarkably, Turkey has maintained this position consistently, never falling below this level in team sports. Our entire infrastructure — from youth leagues to training facilities — is aligned with the standards of the top-ranking nations. Our 16-year-old players are among the tallest and most physically capable in volleyball history, reflecting the strength and depth of our developmental programs. This broad-based foundation ensures that Turkish volleyball’s future remains bright, promising even greater successes ahead.”
Addressing ongoing projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure, Üstündağ shared exciting developments. “The Factory Volleyball initiative is central to our efforts, particularly in integrating children from Eastern and Southeastern Anatolia into the sport,” he revealed. “This program introduces children aged six to twelve to volleyball, operating actively in nearly 50 provinces and districts. We have mobilized approximately 150 search and rescue personnel dedicated to discovering talented young athletes. Importantly, families are under no financial obligation; this initiative is a social responsibility project designed to foster inclusivity and opportunity.”
He continued, “Selected children are admitted to our specialized volleyball high schools, where education and athletic training are provided free of charge. These schools offer comprehensive support — including free accommodation, meals, and access to state-of-the-art training facilities. Currently, 365 students benefit from this system in Ankara, achieving an impressive academic success rate of 88%. Throughout their high school years, students receive referee and coaching training, preparing them for various roles within the sport. Our aim is to establish similar boarding volleyball high schools in Eastern and Southeastern regions, creating an environment where education and sport go hand in hand, securing the future of Turkish volleyball.”
This article is a product of AI-assisted creation, translation, and review, supported by a dedicated editor. For more details, please consult our Terms and Conditions. Vezir Agency
02:00
News