Turkish Olympic shooting star Yusuf Dikeç has stepped up preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with qualification and another opportunity to compete on the sport’s biggest stage firmly in his sights.

Dikeç, who rose to international prominence following his memorable performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, said he had intensified his training as he works toward securing a quota place for the next Summer Games.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA) during a visit to Yozgat for the opening of a newly completed shooting range and the groundbreaking ceremony for an athlete training center, the 53-year-old said winning an Olympic gold medal remained the ultimate ambition for every athlete.

“Every athlete dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal. Our goal and dream is to prepare for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That is why we have intensified our training. The first step is to secure a quota place to qualify for the Olympics. Hopefully, we will achieve that and compete in Los Angeles,” Dikeç said.

The Turkish marksman explained that he was still working to address certain weaknesses in his performance before moving into a more demanding training schedule. Once those areas are improved, he plans to train intensively five or six days a week as he builds toward the Olympic qualification period.

Dikeç also welcomed the growing popularity of shooting following the Paris Games, where his composed approach and unconventional shooting stance attracted worldwide attention.

He said the increased visibility of the discipline had been particularly rewarding, adding that he was proud to have helped introduce shooting to a wider audience in Türkiye and internationally.

“After the Paris Olympics, shooting became popular like other sports. I am very happy to have played a part in making the sport I practice better known, first in my own country and then around the world,” he said.

The increased interest, Dikeç believes, could help Türkiye develop a stronger generation of shooters, particularly as more provinces invest in facilities and opportunities for young athletes.

He welcomed the construction of new sporting facilities, saying the development of shooting ranges across the country would make it easier to identify promising talent and provide aspiring athletes with the necessary conditions to succeed.

“Talented athletes, craftsmen and artists are like precious minerals. You never know when or where they will emerge. You have to go out and find them. Expanding shooting across all provinces, just as we do with other sports, will make a major contribution to discovering talented athletes. I believe many champions will emerge in shooting in the future,” Dikeç said.

He pointed to Türkiye’s sporting icons as examples of how individual success can inspire an entire generation and transform the profile of a discipline.

Former weightlifting great Naim Süleymanoğlu helped establish Türkiye as a major force in the sport, while middle-distance runner Süreyya Ayhan played a similar role in athletics.

Dikeç said he hoped the growing recognition of shooting would produce the same lasting impact and encourage more young people to take up the discipline.

His visit to Yozgat also highlighted his belief that the province could become an important source of future Olympic talent. He cited wrestler Rıza Kayaalp and weightlifter Muhammed Furkan Özbek as examples of athletes who have emerged from the region, expressing confidence that shooting could follow a similar path.

“Just as Yozgat has produced Rıza Kayaalp and weightlifter Muhammed Furkan Özbek, I believe the province will send many athletes to future Olympics in shooting as well. I invite families and children to take up the sport. I believe future Olympic and world champions in shooting will emerge from this province,” he said.

Beyond competition and medals, Dikeç stressed that sport plays an important role in shaping young people’s character and bringing communities together.

Reflecting on the international attention he received after Paris, he said the experience had demonstrated how sport could connect people across national boundaries.

“Sport has a unifying power. After the Paris Olympics, I saw just how powerful it can be. We became known around the world. Young people should definitely take up sports because they will see tremendous benefits in the future,” he said.

Dikeç added that participation in sport teaches discipline, concentration, friendship and how to handle both victory and defeat, while helping young people stay away from harmful habits.

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Thirteen-year-old Enes Çağan Çakır is preparing to take his motorcycle racing ambitions onto the world stage after winning the 2026 FIM MotoMini Türkiye Series championship in the 160cc category.

The young rider from Bursa will represent Türkiye at the FIM MotoMini World Series Final, scheduled for Nov. 21-26 at the Circuit Ricardo Tormo in Valencia, Spain.

The competition will bring together 44 riders aged 10-14 from 22 countries, giving Çakır an opportunity to test himself against some of the world’s most promising young motorcycle racers.

Çakır secured his place in the international competition with an impressive campaign in the Turkish series, where his performances earned him the 160cc championship title. His success has rewarded five years of dedication to the sport, which he began pursuing after being inspired by his father, a motorcycle instructor.

His interest in motorcycles developed at an early age. Çakır has recalled how his passion began when he pressed the starter of his father’s motorcycle, an experience that sparked a fascination that has since developed into a competitive pursuit.

Since then, he has devoted himself to improving his riding skills, working through the demands of training and competition while gaining experience on the track.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency (AA), Çakır said the excitement of racing and the challenge of competing against other riders were central to his passion.

“I get excited and try to adapt to the race. Competition, adrenaline and passion are very important. Throughout the race, I analyze where I can overtake my rivals and where I can make an attack,” he said.

Although the physical demands of racing can leave him exhausted, he said the satisfaction of reaching the podium makes the effort worthwhile.

“Even if I am tired at the end of the day, standing on the top of the podium takes away all my fatigue and makes me feel very happy,” he added.

His Turkish championship has now opened the door to a much bigger challenge in Valencia, where he will compete against riders from across the world. Çakır is maintaining an intensive training schedule as he prepares for his international debut, determined to make the most of the opportunity.

Representing his country abroad is another source of motivation for the young racer, who said he was proud to carry Türkiye’s name into an international competition.

“I am very proud to represent Türkiye in another country in an international race. God willing, we will achieve good results there as well,” he said.

Beyond the upcoming championship, Çakır has his sights set on following in the footsteps of two of Türkiye’s most successful motorcycle racers, Toprak Razgatlıoğlu and Kenan Sofuoğlu.

He hopes to emulate their achievements through continued hard work, with the Valencia competition offering an important opportunity to measure his progress against international opposition.

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Türkiye will begin a new chapter under coach Sergen Yalçın when they host Belgium in İzmir on Thursday, seeking to end a miserable UEFA Nations League campaign and keep their hopes of avoiding direct relegation alive.

The Crescent-Stars welcome the Red Devils to Gürsel Aksel Stadium for their penultimate League A Group 1 fixture, with both sides facing different objectives.

While Belgium are fighting to secure a place in the quarterfinals, Türkiye are looking to salvage something from a campaign in which they have lost all four opening matches.

Yalçın, who replaced Italian coach Vincenzo Montella, will take charge of his first match since signing a four-year contract on Oct. 22. The former international midfielder becomes the 48th coach in Türkiye’s history and the 27th Turkish manager to lead the national team.

His immediate task is to arrest a worrying decline that has seen Türkiye concede 11 goals while scoring just twice in their opening four Nations League matches. The poor run followed their disappointing group-stage exit at the 2026 World Cup, bringing Montella’s three-year tenure to an end.

Yalçın returns to management six months after leaving Beşiktaş, who finished fourth in the Turkish Süper Lig last season. The 54-year-old has called for unity and togetherness within the national team, expressing confidence that Türkiye can enjoy a more successful period under his leadership.

However, the challenge against Belgium will be considerable.

Ranked 31st in the world by FIFA, Türkiye have already lost their chances of reaching the Nations League quarterfinals. Their remaining objective is to avoid direct relegation from League A by collecting enough points in their final two fixtures to finish among the two best fourth-placed teams across the four groups.

To avoid finishing bottom of Group 1, Türkiye must defeat Belgium by at least four goals, overturning the 3-0 defeat they suffered in the reverse fixture. They would then need to beat France on the final matchday and hope Belgium drop points against Italy.

Belgium, meanwhile, arrive in Izmir knowing that their quarterfinal ambitions remain within reach but could be severely damaged by another defeat.

The Red Devils have collected two wins and suffered two losses in their opening four matches, leaving them third in the group, one point behind second-placed Italy and four behind leaders France.

A defeat against Türkiye, combined with an Italian victory over France, would eliminate Belgium’s hopes of finishing in the top two. Victory, however, would leave the group qualification battle open heading into the final round of matches.

Belgium’s campaign has been particularly inconsistent since finishing third behind France and Italy in the previous Nations League edition. Their latest international window included a damaging 4-1 defeat to France, although new coach Mark van Bommel said he had seen encouraging performances from his players despite the result.

The visitors can draw confidence from their recent record against Türkiye, having won their previous Nations League meeting 3-0 at home. Kevin De Bruyne scored twice, while Romelu Lukaku also found the net.

Belgium have lost only one of their last six meetings with Türkiye across all competitions and will be eager to avoid their first consecutive international defeats since March 2025.

Türkiye, however, have traditionally been difficult to beat on home soil against the Belgians. The Crescent-Stars are unbeaten in their last three home meetings, including a 3-2 victory in their most recent encounter in a Euro 2012 qualifier. They had also won four consecutive home matches before suffering two defeats in their current Nations League campaign.

Yalçın will nevertheless have several selection concerns as he prepares for his first assignment.

Türkiye remain without attacking standout Kenan Yıldız, who is continuing treatment at Juventus for a metatarsal fracture. Kerem Aktürkoğlu, İrfan Can Kahveci, Samet Akaydin and Altay Bayındır are also among the players omitted from the squad after featuring in last month’s international window.

Defender Abdülkerim Bardakcı is suspended, while Zeki Çelik, Merih Demiral, Ozan Kabak, Salih Özcan and Can Uzun are all one booking away from suspension.

Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler is expected to play an influential role in the attacking midfield position after scoring and providing an assist in his club’s La Liga victory over Valencia last weekend.

Experienced captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu will also have an opportunity to strengthen his place in Türkiye’s scoring history. The 108-cap midfielder is level with Tuncay Şanlı on 22 international goals and would move into outright third place among the country’s leading scorers if he finds the net against Belgium.

Belgium also have selection issues, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois continuing his break from international football.

AC Milan defender Koni De Winter has also declined a call-up after expressing dissatisfaction with his lack of playing time during the previous international window, according to Van Bommel. His absence has opened the door for 20-year-old Genk defender Josue Kongolo, who has received his first senior national team call-up.

Kongolo will compete with Arthur Theate, Brandon Mechele and Nathan Ngoy for a place in central defense.

Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia is suspended, while Lukaku, Ngoy, Joaquin Seys, Nicolas Raskin and Dodi Lukebakio are all at risk of missing the final group fixture if they receive another yellow card.

Belgium will, however, welcome back two influential midfielders, with De Bruyne and Youri Tielemans returning after serving suspensions in the previous match. Winger Jeremy Doku is also back in the squad after missing last month’s international window through injury and is expected to feature.

Thursday’s encounter will also mark a significant milestone in Türkiye’s football history, with the national team preparing to play its 659th international match since its establishment 103 years ago.

The Crescent-Stars have recorded 260 victories, 151 draws and 247 defeats in 658 previous matches, including one awarded win, with 369 competitive fixtures and 289 friendlies.

Türkiye have scored 908 goals and conceded 943 across those matches, having played 281 games away from home, 283 on Turkish soil and 94 at neutral venues.

Their opponents have represented 93 different countries, with 568 of Türkiye’s matches coming against European sides, 34 against Asian teams, 24 against African nations, 28 against teams from the Americas and four against Oceania representatives.

Türkiye’s only victory awarded by forfeit came against Greece following a friendly between the sides in Istanbul on Nov. 17, 2015. The match ended 0-0, but FIFA subsequently awarded Türkiye a 3-0 victory after determining that Greece had fielded an ineligible player.

A separate friendly against Kosovo on May 21, 2014, which Türkiye won 6-1 away from home, is not included in the official record because Kosovo was not yet a member of UEFA or FIFA at the time.

Türkiye’s volleyball leadership and national team players brought the sport’s growing sustainability ambitions to the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, highlighting a new solar energy project designed to reduce the federation’s electricity costs and support the development of future generations of athletes.

Turkish Volleyball Federation (TVF) President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ and national team players Derya Cebecioğlu and Dilay Özdemir attended the United Nations Climate Change Conference, which Türkiye is hosting from Nov. 9-20, bringing together representatives from around the world to discuss climate action and environmental sustainability.

They took part in a panel titled “Powering the Game, Changing the World” on the conference’s opening day, alongside Arçelik CEO Can Dinçer.

Koç Holding Vice Chairman Ali Koç also attended the session, which examined how renewable energy investments can support sports organizations, promote sustainability and contribute to wider social change.

The discussion focused on a new partnership between Arçelik and the TVF that goes beyond conventional sponsorship by introducing a renewable energy investment intended to provide long-term financial and environmental benefits.

Under the agreement, Arçelik will establish a solar power plant with an installed capacity of approximately 6 megawatts in Gümüşhane. The facility will generate electricity to meet the federation’s energy needs, while surplus production will provide an additional source of revenue.

Dinçer said the project reflected Arçelik’s commitment to sustainability and could serve as a model for other sports organizations.

“At Arçelik, we have continued producing and investing in our country for 71 years. Sustainability is at the center of how we do business,” he said. “Together with the Turkish Volleyball Federation, we have developed a model that will deliver benefits beyond the sponsorship period.”

He said the solar plant would help meet the federation’s electricity needs while generating income from excess energy production.

“We are pleased to bring such an innovative project to life and thank our president for his support,” Dinçer added.

Üstündağ described the initiative as an investment in the long-term future of Turkish volleyball, emphasizing that the federation’s ambitions extend beyond achievements on the court.

“Turkish volleyball has reached the top in Europe and around the world through our national teams and clubs. However, our goals are not limited to sporting success,” he said.

He noted that the federation’s facilities consume significant amounts of electricity and that the partnership would provide a sustainable solution to an important operational expense.

“Today, we are here, but tomorrow we may not be. This project, however, will continue. The lights in our facilities will remain on, and future generations of the Sultans of the Net and the Efes of the Net will continue to develop there,” Üstündağ said.

He stressed that the agreement represented more than a commercial sponsorship, describing it as a shared commitment to the future of the sport.

“This is much more than a sponsorship agreement. It is a partnership built on shared values and a common journey,” he said, thanking Arçelik, Koç Holding Honorary Chairman and Board Member Rahmi Koç, and everyone involved in making the project possible.

Üstündağ also acknowledged the contributions of sponsors, clubs, coaches and other stakeholders to the development of Turkish volleyball, saying the federation would continue working to justify their support.

Looking ahead, he identified an Olympic medal as one of the federation’s major ambitions, expressing hope that Türkiye would achieve further success at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Patience and sustained support

National team player Derya Cebecioğlu said long-term support was essential in professional sports, where athletes face demanding training schedules, injuries and occasional surgeries throughout their careers.

She thanked the federation’s leadership for consistently supporting players through the difficult stages of their journeys, stressing that sporting achievements were the result of years of dedication rather than overnight success.

“Everyone knows that we became European champions this year and won the Volleyball Nations League (VNL). However, these achievements did not happen in a single day,” Cebecioğlu said.

She pointed to Türkiye’s runner-up finish at the world level two years earlier, when the team lost a final, as an example of the perseverance required to reach the top.

“Success is the result of a long process, patience and hard work. It requires a lengthy journey, and remaining patient throughout that journey is extremely important,” she said.

Cebecioğlu expressed confidence that the national team’s recent achievements would provide a foundation for further success, adding that the players remained committed to working hard and bringing more honors to the country.

Influence on young girls

Meanwhile, national team player Dilay Özdemir highlighted the responsibility athletes carry as role models, particularly for young girls who follow their performances and aspire to pursue professional volleyball.

Having grown up in a sporting family, with both her parents former volleyball players, Özdemir said she understood the importance of inspiration and the influence successful athletes can have on younger generations.

“Knowing that young girls watching us are inspired by what we do increases our sense of responsibility and motivation. Being able to serve as role models for them means a great deal to us,” she said.

She noted that the growing success of women’s volleyball in Türkiye had helped increase interest in the sport, creating greater opportunities to attract and develop young talent.

However, she stressed that reaching the highest level required considerable commitment and sacrifice, making the support of young athletes particularly important.

“Seeing the belief in the eyes of little girls and the trust they place in us pushes us to go even further,” Özdemir said.

She argued that creating opportunities for the next generation did not necessarily require extensive resources, but rather basic facilities, equipment and committed coaches who believed in young athletes.

“For sustainability, I think the most important things are a volleyball court, a ball and a coach who believes in young girls,” she said.

Özdemir expressed hope that the new solar energy partnership would help open doors for more children, allowing them to pursue their ambitions and contribute to the future of Turkish volleyball.

Turkish sports community paid tribute to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk on Tuesday, marking the 88th anniversary of the death of the founder of the Republic of Türkiye with commemorative ceremonies and messages across the country.

Atatürk died at Dolmabahçe Palace in Istanbul at 9:05 a.m. on Nov. 10, 1938. The anniversary is observed nationwide each year, with a minute of silence at the exact time of his death, as sirens sound and public life briefly comes to a standstill.

The main national ceremony took place at Anıtkabir in Ankara, where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and senior state officials paid their respects.

Türkiye’s sporting community also joined the commemorations, with federations and clubs highlighting Atatürk’s role in the country’s independence and the establishment of the Republic, while pledging to preserve the principles he left behind.

The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) was among the organizations to issue a commemorative statement, remembering Atatürk with respect, longing and gratitude.

“We commemorate the founder of our Republic, our Great Leader Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, with respect, longing and mercy on the 88th anniversary of his departure from among us,” the federation said.

The TFF described Nov. 10 as more than a day of remembrance, saying it also offered an opportunity for the nation to renew its commitment to protecting the Republic and pursuing Atatürk’s vision of contemporary civilization.

The federation also honored Atatürk’s comrades-in-arms, as well as the country’s martyrs and veterans.

The Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) similarly emphasized Atatürk’s leadership during the independence struggle and his role in laying the foundations of the Republic.

It described the Republic as the country’s greatest source of pride and strongest guarantee of confidence in the future, pledging to continue following the path established by its founder.

The Turkish Volleyball Federation and Turkish Handball Federation also shared messages of remembrance, expressing gratitude for Atatürk’s legacy and reaffirming their commitment to the values associated with the Republic.

Football clubs across the country joined the tributes, with several of the country’s biggest teams using the anniversary to underline their historical connections to Atatürk and the ideals of the Republic.

Fenerbahçe said it continued to see Atatürk’s influence in the dedication and achievements of its athletes, as well as in the hopes and aspirations of younger generations.

The Istanbul club pledged to uphold the Republic and ensure that Atatürk’s ideas and principles were passed on to future generations through its athletes and supporters.

Beşiktaş marked the occasion with a ceremony at the Dolmabahçe side of Tüpraş Stadium. Club president Serdal Adalı, board members and athletes gathered for the commemoration, observing a minute of silence at 9:05 a.m. before singing the national anthem.

Club representatives later laid flowers in the room at Dolmabahçe Palace where Atatürk died.

Galatasaray and other clubs competing in the Süper Lig and lower divisions also published messages expressing their respect and longing for the Republic’s founder. The Turkish national football team held its own commemorative ceremony.

The remembrance extended beyond official statements and ceremonies, with the TFF also ensuring that Atatürk’s anniversary was marked during professional football matches.

The federation instructed that a one-minute silence be observed before all professional league fixtures scheduled between Nov. 6 and 11. Clubs were also permitted to wear black armbands as a mark of respect.

The measures brought the commemorations onto football pitches across the country, allowing players, officials and supporters to participate in the nationwide observance.

Across Türkiye, schools, public institutions, local authorities and private organizations also held ceremonies and paid tribute to Atatürk at 9:05 a.m.

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Fermin Lopez scored twice as Barcelona came from behind to win 2-1 at Atletico Madrid Sunday, maintaining a three-point lead at the top of La Liga.

Barca’s win takes them clear of second-placed Real Madrid, who ⁠moved to 30 points with a 3-0 ⁠win at lowly Valencia Saturday and five ahead of Atletico in third after 12 games.

The hosts imposed a tempo that Barcelona struggled to counteract before the ​break. In the second half, the Catalans had a firm grip ​and ⁠the momentum, as coach Hansi Flick’s typically aggressive side showed they could exert control too.

Atletico began much stronger, though, piercing Barca’s high defensive line with ease. Both sides hit the bar in the opening eight minutes, but it was the home team who deservedly opened the scoring after 10 minutes.

Julian Alvarez had already passed up a golden opportunity, but provided the cross for Giuliano Simeone to bundle the ball into the net from close range.

Atletico coach Diego Simeone had every reason to be pleased with his side’s performance when he asked for calm in the 28th minute. The only disappointment was that their smart attacking play had not yielded ⁠another ⁠goal.

“Of course we wish Julian was as clinical as he normally is, but we’re going to wait for Julian (to get back to his best) because he’s a great player,” Simeone told reporters.

“In order to get where we want to go, we need a great Julian. And if not, we won’t get there.”

As the half went on, Barca gradually found ways to hurt Atletico, primarily through Lamine Yamal and Pedri.

The latter’s driving run led to Fermin sweeping a loose ball into the corner for the equalizer in the 45th minute.

Barcelona ⁠dominated proceedings after the break and Atletico’s forays into the opposition half became rare.

“We were too far from the opponent, so it was not easy to get pressure on the ball,” Flick said of Barcelona’s first-half display.

“This ​was what we did better in the second half. The first was not so perfect, but ​the second was good and I think we deserved the win.”

When Lamine finally conjured a clear chance with an incisive pass, Fermin provided a clinical finish in the ⁠66th.

On the ‌touchline, Simeone ‌desperately pleaded with his side to mount a final onslaught with ⁠10 minutes remaining, but Barca choked the life out of ‌the game with slick possession.

Elsewhere, late goals from Real Betis’ Rodrigo Riquelme and Marc Bartra maintained their side’s grip ​on fourth spot following a 2-0 ⁠win at Elche, who go into the international break in the ⁠relegation zone as a result.

Real Sociedad lie four points behind Betis in fifth after Orri ⁠Oskarsson’s second-half goal gave his ​side a 1-0 home win over Rayo Vallecano.

Villarreal beat visitors Getafe 2-0 and Levante held out for a 0-0 draw at Celta Vigo.

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