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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan received the men's national basketball team and women's national volleyball team at the Presidential Complex on Tuesday, following their recent silver medal performances at major international championships.
The receptions came after the men's basketball team won silver at EuroBasket 2025 in Riga, Latvia, and the women's volleyball team secured second place at the 2025 FIVB World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand.
During the meeting with the basketball team, Erdogan acknowledged the players' emotional response after losing the final, saying, "I don't forget your tears after the final, I can't forget them. But know that these tears are steps toward the future, and I believe we will see the results."
The president noted that the team had brought Türkiye its first basketball final excitement in 24 years after a hard-fought match at Arena Riga.
"Every success of yours becomes an example and source of inspiration for our children. That's why never lose hope. Our young people gain confidence by looking at you, gathering courage to pursue their dreams," Erdogan told the players.
He expressed optimism about future competitions despite narrowly missing the championship. "We're not hopeless about the championship we narrowly missed in the last three minutes. I believe we'll pick up where we left off," he said, adding his confidence that Türkiye would be among the strongest teams at the 2027 World Basketball Championship in Qatar.
Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak praised the team's unity, noting they went five for five in group matches. "The 12 Giant Men have risen and will advance toward bigger championships and greater successes," Bak said.
Head Coach Ergin Ataman apologized for not bringing a trophy this time, saying, "We have a young roster. With the same roster, we have the strength to win medals at the World Championship and Olympics. With your support and that of the Turkish people, the cup will come too."
Team Captain Cedi Osman called it the beginning of a good generation, while player Alperen Sengun said, "We lost the cup in the last two minutes, but this is really the beginning of a beautiful story for us."
Turkish Basketball Federation President Hidayet Turkoglu expressed disappointment at not bringing the gold medal to Erdogan but emphasized the team's achievement as European runners-up after many years.
The women's volleyball team, known as the "Sultans of the Net," also met with Erdogan following their World Championship silver medal.
"Your stance is very, very important against the increasing threats to our youth's mental and physical health," Erdogan told the volleyball players during their separate reception.
Team Captain Eda Erdem Dundar presented Erdogan with a personalized jersey bearing his name and the number 53, along with her own signed jersey.
"We will continue our struggle to carry our flag to the highest level and be the best example for the new generation as national athletes," Dundar said.
Turkish Volleyball Federation President Mehmet Akif Ustundag revealed that Türkiye will host the European Championship next year, following Erdogan's personal directive received in Serbia.
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Erdogan specifically praised volleyball player Melissa Vargas, who was selected as the tournament's best opposite spiker, telling her the entire family watched her performances with admiration.
Player Cansu Ozbay emphasized the team's goal of improving each year, stating, "Playing our national anthem in the international arena makes us very proud."
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