In an electrifying five-set match, Turkey’s Women’s National Volleyball Team defeated Serbia on Sunday to clinch the 2023 CEV Women’s European Volleyball Championship.
The final was held at Brussels’ Palais 12, where the Turkish team won the sets 27-25, 21-25, 25-22, 22-25, 13-15, bringing home their maiden European Championship title.
Turkish Dignitaries in Attendance
The thrilling match was attended by Turkish political figures, including Gençlik ve Spor Bakanı Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak, former Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, and former Youth and Sports Minister Mehmet Kasapoğlu, among others. They witnessed the Turkish team, fondly known as the “Sultans of the Net,” emerge as the champions of Europe.
Community Support
The Turkish expatriate community living in Belgium and neighboring countries turned out in large numbers to support their national team, providing a massive morale boost to the athletes.
Mastermind Behind the Victory
The win was partially attributed to the team’s Italian head coach, Daniele Santarelli, who took charge of the team in December 2022. Under his leadership, the Turkish team qualified for the finals after winning 9 of their 12 matches in the first three weeks of the 2023 FIVB Women’s Nations League held from May 30 to July 16. The “Sultans of the Net”, who beat the last champion Italy in the quarter-finals of the Nations League and the host USA with 3 gold medals in the semi-finals, completed the first organization they participated with Santarelli with a gold medal.
MVP and Team Captain Speak Out
Turkish star opposite Melissa Teressa Vargas, who scored an impressive 41 points in the final, was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition. Meanwhile, Turkish captain Eda Erdem Dundar reflected on the monumental victory, saying, “In the 100th anniversary of our republic, we first won the Nations League, then became the European champion. We have written an incredible story. I’m happy, I’m proud!”
A Sweet Revenge
This championship title carries special weight for Turkey as it served as revenge against Serbia. The Serbian team had defeated Turkey in a closely fought final of the 2019 Women’s European Volleyball Championship. “We have avenged the 2019 loss,” the Turkish team announced, clearly elated with the reversal of fortunes.
President’s Congratulations
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took to social media to congratulate the team. “I heartily congratulate our Turkish National Women’s Volleyball Team, the Sultans of the Net, who made us all proud as the 2023 CEV European Champions,” Erdogan wrote.
The victory marks a monumental achievement for Turkish women’s sports and adds a golden chapter to the country’s volleyball history. With this win, Turkey has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in European volleyball, setting the stage for future successes. (AA)
