Türkiye’s Men’s Basketball Team Meets President Erdoğan After Historic Euros Run

Basketballers receive presidential accolades following 24-year wait for final excitement in Europe

The Turkish Men’s Basketball Team were greeted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex on Tuesday, following their groundbreaking performance at the 2025 European Basketball Championship. The team finished as runners-up, sparking jubilant celebrations across Türkiye.

Presidential Praise

The president, accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak, TBF President Hidayet Türkoğlu, and Coach Ergin Ataman, received the national team and their squad members.

I want to congratulate our athletes who have shown extraordinary resilience in this year’s European Basketball Championship. After 24 years of longing, we have once again experienced the final excitement in basketball. This year, our national team has achieved a remarkable momentum in Europe. I hope next year we will be the European champions, and I believe that we will be the tournament’s strongest team when participating in the World Basketball Championship in Qatar in 2027.
– President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan

From Defeat to Triumph

Although the team fell short of the championship title in an 88-83 loss to Germany, their performance marks a significant turning point in Turkish basketball. Their silver medal marks the first time Türkiye has reached the final of a major international tournament in over two decades.

President Erdoğan also extended his encouragement to the Women’s Volleyball Team, who recently secured the silver medal at the 2025 FIVB World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

Looking Ahead

• The Turkish Men’s Basketball Team will look to build on their notable 2025 run in future international competitions.
• President Erdoğan’s remarks highlight his optimism for continued success and growth in both basketball and volleyball for Türkiye.
• The team’s performance has inspired national pride and unity, demonstrating the transformative power of sports in unifying the country.

Did you know?

The Turkish Men’s Basketball Team’s runner-up finish was their best result in a major international tournament since the 1991 World Championship, where they also secured silver.

In other news:

Checkout our latest updates on the 2025 Süper Lig season.

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