Team Türkiye departs for Paris 2024 Olympics

Team Türkiye has departed for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, taking place from July 26 to Aug. 11.

Notable figures, including Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz and Youth and Sports Minister Osman Askin Bak, attended the send-off ceremony at Istanbul Airport.

Turkish officials express confidence in Olympic athletes

Vice President Yilmaz expressed confidence in the athletes, stating, “There is no doubt you will use your strength, determination, and skills to the fullest. I believe each of you will return from Paris with success stories.” He emphasized the high expectations for the team and sent them off with well-wishes and applause.

Minister Bak discussed the significant progress Turkish sports have made, particularly in diverse disciplines. “We have started winning medals in various branches, and we will continue to increase this,” he said.

He thanked the federations and clubs for their contributions, particularly Fenerbahce, which is sending the largest contingent of 27 athletes.

Team Türkiye’s journey to Paris 2024 Olympics

Team Türkiye consists of 102 athletes from 31 different clubs, including Ebrar Karakurt from Russia’s Lokomotiv Kaliningrad, the only member competing from a foreign club.

The delegation, including athletes, coaches, and officials, took a commemorative photo in front of the specially branded Turkish Airlines plane before heading to Paris.

Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle Airport, Ambassador to Paris Yunus Demirer and Consul General Serdar Belentepe welcomed the team. The athletes then traveled to the Olympic Village, where they will stay during the games.

Historic significance of Paris 2024 for Türkiye

Sports Services General Manager Veli Ozan Cakir remarked on the historic significance of this year’s games, marking 100 years since Türkiye’s first Olympic appearance in Paris. “Our athletes are very proud to be part of the 100th-year team,” he said.

Cakir noted the sacrifices made by the athletes, some of whom have been in rigorous training camps away from their families for over a year. He expressed hope for the team’s success, aiming to surpass the two gold medals won in Tokyo.

Representatives from the Turkish Olympic Committee (TMOK), Vice President Ali Kiremitcioglu, and Secretary General Nese Gundogan also joined the team en route to Paris.