'Sultans of the Net' make history with 1st European championship

The Turkish National Women's Volleyball team, affectionately known as the "Sultans of the Net," soared to new heights as they clinched the 2023 CEV European Volleyball Championship title on Sunday after edging a resilient Serbian team 3-2 in the final.

The Sultans of the Net, who fell behind twice during the match, secured their first-ever European Championship in their third final, in Brussels, Belgium, Sep. 4, 2023.

In the European Championship, the Turkish National Women's Volleyball Team, led by captain Eda Erdem, received the trophy from CEV President Aleksandar Boricic. Erdem, who lifted the cup, then shared this joy with her teammates.

Melissa Vargas, who scored 41 points in the final match, was chosen as the "Most Valuable Player of the European Championship." Vargas, once again, earned the MVP just as she did in the Nations League tournament.

Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın, who is currently in Belgium to support the national team, also watched the match from the arena.

Following the match, the gold medals were presented to the national team during the ceremony by the Turkish Volleyball Federation President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ. After the medals were awarded, the Turkish National Anthem was performed at the Paleis 12 Arena.

Daniele Santarelli, who led the Serbian national team to victory over our National Team in 2019, has now led the Sultans of the Net to triumph in the European Championship following their success in the FIVB Nations League.

The Sultans of the Net team posed with the trophy alongside the European Volleyball Confederation President Aleksandar Boricic and the head of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), Ary Graca.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan congratulated the National Women's Volleyball Team, who made everyone proud by becoming 2023 CEV European Champions, in a social media post.