TVF Chief Akif Üstündağ Praises Team After Reaching VNL Semifinals

Turkey's women's national volleyball team fought back to beat Canada 3-1 in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIVB Volleyball Nations League in Macau, China, securing a place in the semifinals. The set scores were 22-25, 25-21, 25-21, 25-17.

Turkish Volleyball Federation President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ praised the team's performance afterward. He said Turkey struggled to find its rhythm in the first set but never stopped fighting until the end. He noted that Turkey and Canada were among just four countries with both men's and women's teams reaching the final stage this year, calling it a major source of pride.

Üstündağ highlighted opposite hitter Melissa Vargas's attacking leadership, along with contributions from Zehra Güneş in blocking and attack, and Hande Baladın's impact off the bench. He admitted the team's defense fell below its usual standard but said Turkey still found a way to win.

Looking ahead, Üstündağ said Turkey is used to playing in finals, pointing to the team's run as finalists at the last World Championship and champions at the last European Championship. He added that the squad's focus remains on its own game, regardless of the semifinal opponent.