The Turkish Volleyball Federation (TVF) has announced the cancellation of the ceremony planned for today (September 8) in Galataport, dedicated to the national women's team, which won a silver medal at the World Championship in Thailand. The reason is an order from the Istanbul Provincial Governorship (İstanbul Valiliği), which prohibits the organization of public actions and events. This is claimed by the websitevoleybolunsesi.com.It later became clear that the ban was due to a protest request from an opposition party, which held a demonstration despite being denied permission.
At the same time, a patriotic sentiment is rising: powerful congratulations to the team from the highest levels
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan
In a post on the social network NSosyal, the president stated, quoted by hurriyet.com:
“I wholeheartedly congratulate our national women's volleyball team, who made us proud by taking second place in the world at the FIVB Volleyball World Championship held in Thailand. Thank you, Sultans of the Net.”
He also added emojis of the Turkish flag and a volleyball match.
Minister of Sports – Osman Aşkın Bak
“I congratulate our national women's volleyball team, who competed against Italy in the final of the FIVB World Championship and finished as second in the world. With this important success, our athletes showed the whole world the strength of Turkish volleyball and proudly represented the country. I express gratitude to all who contributed to this success of the ‘Sultans of the Net’, which will be an inspiration for future generations.”
At the same time: in Milan – preparations are underway for a triumphant welcome of the new world champions
While in Istanbul the authorities banned the celebration in honor of Turkey's national team, Italy will welcome its champions in a completely different way.
The Italian team will land this afternoon at Malpensa Airport in Milan. A jubilant crowd of fans and supporters will be waiting for them there, ready to celebrate their historic success at the championship in Bangkok.
The President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, contacted the President of CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) Luciano Buonfiglio on the night after the final to express his appreciation and extend an official invitation to the “Squadra Azzurra” for a reception at the Quirinale Palace. Thus, the institutional recognition cemented the sporting triumph of the team, led by legendary coach Julio Velasco.
