Türkiye’s women’s national volleyball team retained its European title after defeating Italy 3–2 in a dramatic final in Istanbul on Sunday.
The hosts were twice forced to respond under pressure before winning the decisive fifth set 15–10, completing a successful defence of the continental crown they first captured in 2023.
Melissa Vargas scored 28 points for Türkiye, matching Italy’s Paola Egonu as the leading scorer in a final that brought together the reigning European champions and the Olympic and world champions.
The result also secured Türkiye a place in the women’s volleyball tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding a major international reward to the title.
The victory underlined Türkiye’s rise among the leading nations in women’s volleyball and was celebrated by a capacity home crowd at Istanbul’s Sinan Erdem Sports Hall.
For Italy, the narrow defeat ended an otherwise strong campaign, while Türkiye completed the tournament with a second consecutive European championship.
Sources
Featured image: Alejandro Stuardo/Unsplash. The photograph is illustrative.
Mehmut is a scholar, author and political commentator specializing in relations between Turkey and the European Union. He earned his PhD in the United States, where his doctoral research examined the political, diplomatic and institutional dimensions of EU–Turkey relations.
Throughout his academic and professional career, Mehmut has written numerous articles addressing Turkey’s relationship with Europe, democratic development, social justice, political reform and the country’s changing role in regional and international affairs. His work combines academic analysis with a strong interest in the practical challenges confronting Turkish society.
Mehmut is committed to promoting a democratic, secular and socially just Turkey founded on equality, human rights, freedom of expression and the rule of law. He advocates peaceful political participation, accountable public institutions and policies that protect workers, disadvantaged communities and citizens from every section of society.
Through his research and writing, Mehmut seeks to contribute to informed public debate about Turkey’s future. He believes that meaningful democratic reform, social solidarity and constructive engagement with Europe can help Turkey build a fairer, more inclusive and more prosperous society.
Mehmut Naser
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