Turkish Volleyball Federation President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ said that the National Women’s Volleyball Team, which will take part in the 2026 FIVB Nations League (VNL), will fight for new goals.
The national team will play the first stage of the VNL on 3-7 June in Brazil, the 2nd stage on 17-21 June in Ankara, and the 3rd stage on 8-12 July in Japan. If the crescent-star team remains in the top 8 in the points table at the end of the three stages, they will take part in the final stage in Macau, China, on 22-26 July.
Federation President Üstündağ made a statement before the Nations League competitions.
Üstündağ stated that Turkish volleyball has become one of the strongest brands in the world in recent years, both at the national team and club level, and said, “Our women’s national team continues to reflect this level on the field every year. The Nations League is a very important organization for us, where we compete with the best teams in the world. The championship we achieved in 2023 was very valuable for all of us. However, sports is an area where you need to constantly renew yourself. We have a structure that is not satisfied with past successes, but goes to each tournament with new goals. We thank our players, technical team and team.” “We trust. Our goal, as always, is to represent our country in the best way and to be in the fight for medals.” he said.
Pointing out that it is important for the development of the young players in the squad to play at the A National Team level and for the future of the team, Üstündağ said, “The Nations League is a very important organization for us where we compete with the best teams in the world. I see it as a very important opportunity for our young players to gain experience at the international level and experience the national team atmosphere. The performances of our young athletes in the international arena in recent years also give us hope. The emergence of new and young names in an environment of high competition is one of the most important indicators of the sustainable success of Turkish volleyball.” he said.
“STARS PARADE” IN ANKARA
Üstündağ gave information that important names can be watched in the second stage of the organization, which will be played in Ankara.
Stating that Melissa Vargas, Zehra Güneş, Ebrar Karakurt, Gizem Örge, Cansu Özbay, Hande Balâdın, Elif Şahin have started their training, Üstündağ said, “Our technical team will make the final decision, but there is currently a plan for them to be in the squad at the stage in Ankara. I can say that our fans will see our star players on the field in this organization.” he said.
Underlining that the Nations League is an important preparation process for the European Championship, Üstündağ concluded his words as follows:
“Our preparations continue for the Nations League stage to be held in Ankara and then for the European Championship that we will host in Istanbul. We are working in coordination with our relevant institutions and stakeholders. The whole world knows the atmosphere created by our fans. We are expecting a volleyball feast with volleyball fans supporting our national team and full halls where our crescent and star flags decorate the stands. We think that an unforgettable atmosphere will be created for both our athletes and our fans. We represent our country in the best way with our performance on the field and our hosting I believe we will.”