Turkish volleyball team enters Guinness World Records for 3rd time
VakifBank Sports Club President Abdi Serdar Ustunsalih (front left 6), General Manager Banu Can Schurmann (front left 5), and Head Coach Giovanni Guidetti (front left 7) with players at the ceremony in VakifBank Sports Palace, Istanbul, Türkiye, August 2, 2024. (AA Photo)
VakifBank Women’s Volleyball Team has made history once again by entering the Guinness World Records for the third time.
The Turkish volleyball team, based in Istanbul, earned this recognition for its remarkable achievements in European volleyball. A ceremony at the VakifBank Sports Palace in Istanbul celebrated the team’s latest accomplishment.
VakifBank, which has claimed the CEV Women’s Champions League title six times, now holds the Guinness World Record for being the team with the most championships in this prestigious European competition. This new record adds to their previous records for “Most Consecutive Wins in Official Matches” and “Most Titles in the FIVB Club World Championship.”
During the ceremony, Guinness World Records adjudicator Seyda Subasi Gemici presented the certificate to VakifBank Sports Club President Abdi Serdar Ustunsalih. Expressing his pride, Ustunsalih emphasized the importance of this achievement.
“We have now broken three world records, and this confirms our status as the most successful volleyball team in history. Achieving this as a Turkish team brings us immense pride,” he stated.
The event brought together key figures from the renowned Turkish volleyball team, including Head Coach Giovanni Guidetti and several players, who shared their excitement and commitment to the team’s ongoing success.
Guidetti acknowledged the growing strength of their competitors but expressed confidence in the team’s future. “Our opponents are getting stronger every day, but I believe we will perform even better than last season. We have a talented and motivated squad this season,” he said.
VakifBank’s journey to the top of global volleyball began with its first CEV Champions League title in 2011. This victory marked the start of an era of dominance, with the team going on to win additional championships in 2013, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2023. These victories have made VakifBank the most decorated team in the history of the tournament.
The club has played a pivotal role in inspiring young athletes, especially girls, across Türkiye. With each victory, VakifBank not only strengthens its legacy but also increases the popularity of volleyball throughout the country.
Looking ahead, VakifBank aims to build on its success both nationally and internationally. General Manager Banu Can Schurmann highlighted the team’s ambitions, stating, “Our past successes motivate us to aim higher. We want to elevate VakifBank to the pinnacle of global volleyball.”
While VakifBank continues to achieve new heights, Türkiye’s national women’s volleyball team is also making significant strides on the global stage.
The “Sultans of the Net” recently advanced to the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Olympics after a thrilling 3-2 victory over China. This marks the first time in history that the women’s volleyball team has reached the Olympic semifinals, further establishing Türkiye as a formidable force in international volleyball.
