Turkish women retain European volleyball title

ISTANBUL

Türkiye’s national women’s volleyball team defeated Italy 3-2 in Istanbul on Sept. 6 to retain its European title and secure a place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The hosts twice came from a set down at Sinan Erdem Sports Hall. Italy won the opening set 25-16 before Türkiye drew level with a 25-22 victory.

The visitors regained the lead by taking the third set 25-12, but Türkiye responded 25-21 before winning the decider 15-10.

Melissa Vargas and Italy’s Paola Egonu were the final’s joint top scorers with 28 points each.

The victory gave Türkiye its second consecutive European title, following its first championship in 2023. Having also won this year’s Volleyball Nations League, the team repeated the double it achieved three years ago.

Türkiye became the first European women’s volleyball team to qualify for the Los Angeles Games. Other teams will have opportunities to qualify through the 2027 World Championship and the world rankings following the preliminary phase of the 2028 Nations League.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated the team in a post on NSosyal, describing the European title as “an important success that has made our nation proud.”

Cabinet ministers also congratulated the players and coaching staff. Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy thanked the fans who filled Sinan Erdem Sports Hall for their support throughout the final.