In a quest for qualification and a historic triumph, the Turkish women’s badminton national team sets its sights on the Europe Teams Championship Finals.

Scheduled to take place in Sofia, Bulgaria, from tomorrow to Sunday, the team is eager to make a mark on the international stage.

Grouped alongside Ukraine and Greenland, the Turkish players anticipate fierce competition.

Success in these group matches is pivotal, as it will determine their clash with the winner of the group consisting of Bulgaria, Latvia and Ireland.

The ultimate goal is to secure a coveted spot in the finals and bring home Türkiye’s first medal in the senior category of this prestigious championship.

Leading the national team, Head Coach Barış Boyar, alongside star athletes Özge Bayrak, Nazlıcan Inci and Zehra Erdem, shared insights into their preparations with Anadolu Agency (AA) ahead of the qualifiers.

Boyar expressed satisfaction with the training camp in Ankara, saying, “Our players are highly motivated. Our primary aim is to advance from the groups in the European Championships and reach the finals.”

He emphasized the historical significance of aiming for a team medal, following the individual successes of Özge Bayrak and Neslihan Yiğit Arın in previous European Championships.

“We have been working towards achieving a team medal as well. Hopefully, we succeed and if we win, it will be our first team medal,” he said.

Highlighting the team’s strong foundation, Boyar remarked, “Our potential in badminton is very high. There’s a great synergy with the new management. Our young athletes have ambitious goals. We aim to combine the success of the younger age groups with the seniors. We have succeeded with women’s teams in the under-17 and under-19 categories. Our goal is to increase the number of Olympic athletes and represent our country with more athletes in the Olympics. Winning a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics may seem challenging at the moment. Our goal is to advance from the groups, as the Olympics is truly a massive process. We continue to work towards this, especially scouting young talent for Olympic representation.”

Confidence soaring

Özge Bayrak, who shared a joint training camp with the men’s national team, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to emerge as group leaders. “Our current focus is on topping the group ahead of the European Championship Finals. We have two challenging matches ahead, against Ukraine and Bulgaria. We aim to win both and qualify for the finals.”

As one of the two athletes who secured individual medals for Türkiye in the previous European Championships, Bayrak conveyed her determination: “Every team championship we attend, we genuinely aim to win a medal. That’s our goal. Hopefully, this time, we break new ground and return to our country with a medal.”

Nazlıcan İnci, discussing the team’s rigorous preparation with double training sessions daily, expressed optimism about their chances of advancing from the group.

“We believe we will qualify from the group, and Bulgaria will also emerge from the other group. Our potential match against Bulgaria will be tough, but I believe we can win. We are eager to reach the finals. Compared to previous years, I see the team as stronger. We’ll strive for success with a good draw,” she said.

Assessing her individual performance, Nazlıcan stated, “Unfortunately, in 2022, we couldn’t participate in any tournaments. In 2023, I feel that I have improved my performance in every tournament. I’ve given my all in preparation and I believe I’ll reflect that in the matches. Qualifying for the Olympics in women’s doubles is a bit challenging due to the reduction in quota numbers worldwide. We will also push ourselves and aim to achieve a first there.”

Zehra Erdem, highlighting the team’s readiness, stated, “We are heading to the qualifiers in excellent shape as a team. We have group matches ahead against Greenland and Ukraine. If we defeat them, we will face the winner of the other group in the finals. We must win that match too. We need to qualify for the European Championship Finals in Poland. I believe we are a very strong team, and in Poland, we will achieve our goal of winning our first medal. We are undergoing rigorous preparation camps during this process. There’s mutual trust within the team. I have confidence that we will achieve good results. Both our singles and doubles players are progressing strongly. We will bring our past experiences to the field and deliver a solid performance.”

Source: Daily Sabah

The post Turkish Women’s Badminton Queens Aim to Smash Records at Europeans appeared first on Ankara Haftalik.

In a remarkable journey that began in Kayseri, 11-year-old Ecrin Bütün, who lost the use of her legs after surgery at the age of 2, has transformed into a swimming sensation.

Over the past two years, she has not only conquered the waters but also clinched an impressive tally of 16 gold and five silver medals in various competitions.

Now, with her sights set on the national team, Bütün is a true inspiration in the face of adversity.

Bütün, a fifth-grade student at Yahya Kemal Beyatlı Middle School, faced the loss of her ability to walk following surgery to remove a spinal cord tumor detected when she was just 2 years old.

Undeterred by her physical challenge, Bütün discovered a new lease on life two years ago when she met swimming coach Safiye Kayabal during talent screening tests conducted by the Youth and Sports Provincial Directorate.

Learning to swim in the Olympic pool under her coach’s guidance, Bütün found joy in the sport and began preparing for competitions.

Her baptism by fire occurred six months into her swimming journey at the 2019 Physically Disabled Türkiye Championship held in Konya on Dec. 6-7.

In this debut, Bütün scooped up an impressive four gold medals in the 200-meter freestyle and 150-meter individual medley categories for both open-age and 8-11 age groups.

The same championship saw Bütün secure two silver medals in the 100-meter breaststroke and freestyle events in the open age category, while in the 8-11 age group, she claimed two more gold medals.

Her prowess extended to the 50-meter freestyle, where she secured the top spot in the 8-11 age category.

This year, at the Paralympic Swimming Regional Championship held in Mersin from Oct. 19-20, Bütün continued her golden streak by winning an impressive six gold medals in the 200-meter freestyle, 150-meter individual medley and 100-meter breaststroke across both open age and 8-11 age categories.

Additionally, she clinched three silver medals in the 50-meter and 100-meter freestyle and 50-meter backstroke in the open age category.

In the 8-11 age group, Bütün added three more gold medals to her collection.

With this outstanding performance, Bütün has earned the right to participate in the para-swimming national team selections scheduled for Dec. 12-14 in Ankara.

In an interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), Bütün expressed her love for swimming, acknowledging the positive impact the sport has had on her life.

She credited coach Safiye Kayabal for introducing her to the world of swimming and shared her excitement about the upcoming national team selections, stating her ultimate goal is to represent Türkiye on the international stage proudly.

Kayabal, emphasizing Bütün’s versatility in mastering all swimming styles, commended her positive attitude and noted that swimming is a sport for everyone.

She expressed her ambition to raise the Turkish flag alongside Bütün at European competitions in the future.

Bütün’s father, Mevlüt Bütün, emphasized the family’s unwavering support for their daughter, highlighting the challenges they’ve overcome together.

He expressed gratitude for the continuous treatment and shared the family’s determination to support his daughter in her journey, pledging to continue their unwavering support.

Source: Daily Sabah

The post Türkiye’s 11-Year-Old Para-Athlete Eyes National Aquatic Stardom appeared first on Ankara Haftalik.

Turkish Motorcycle Federation (TMF) national teams captain, Kenan Sofuoğlu, is eyeing championship glory from his squad of talented riders in the upcoming season.

Reflecting on the recently concluded season, Sofuoğlu highlighted Toprak Razgatlıoğlu’s transition from the Pata Yamaha Prometeon team to the “Rokit BMW” team.

Optimistic about BMW’s quest for their first World Championship, Sofuoğlu expressed confidence that Razgatlıoğlu would swiftly adapt and contend for the 2024 championship.

With a two-year deal in place, Sofuoğlu acknowledged the challenges of the initial season but remained steadfast in his belief that they would propel BMW to its inaugural world championship in the second season.

Turning his attention to his younger brother Bahattin Sofuoğlu, who competed in the World Supersport Championship for the first time this season, Kenan Sofuoğlu noted the significance of the young rider’s several podium finishes and a victory.

He emphasized the promising nature of a rookie securing victories in their debut season, asserting that Bahattin Sofuoğlu’s potential was evident for all to see.

In a narrative of resilience, Sofuoğlu detailed the harrowing season for national motorcycle racer Can Öncü.

Overcoming a severe injury that nearly cost him his left arm, Can Öncü defied the odds, returning to the podium in Spain with only 10% functionality in his arm.

Sofuoğlu shared that Can Öncü had recently undergone major surgery in the U.K., expressing optimism that the arm, now at 70-80% functionality, would enable him to continue his career.

While acknowledging the potential challenges ahead, Sofuoğlu expressed the team’s anticipation for Can Öncü to aim for a world championship in the coming year.

Shifting the focus to another national talent, Deniz Öncü, who completed a four-year Moto3 career, Sofuoğlu highlighted the numerous victories and podium appearances.

Although Moto3 saw success, Sofuoğlu believes Deniz’s shot at a world championship lies in Moto2.

Securing a deal with the powerhouse Red Bull KTM team, Sofuoğlu conveyed high expectations for Deniz, indicating that successful navigation through Moto2 could position him as a representative in MotoGP.

As the current season wraps up, Sofuoğlu revealed a brief hiatus of approximately 1.5 months before gearing up for preparations for the 2024 season with his team.

Sharing his aspirations, Sofuoğlu expressed the natural expectation for championship aspirations from each of his athletes across different categories.

Source: Daily Sabah

The post Turkish Rider Sofuoğlu Revs Up for Title Dreams with Dynamic Lineup appeared first on Ankara Haftalik.

Fifteen-year-old Turkish swimmer Turgut Aslan Yaraman is gearing up to tackle the rare “Escobar Syndrome” as he sets his sights on a medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

Born with difficulty in walking due to a congenital issue in his left leg, Yaraman dove into the world of swimming at the age of 5 under the guidance of doctors.

The diagnosis of “Escobar Syndrome” seemed daunting, but swimming proved to be a beacon of relief for Yaraman, easing the challenges in his leg and contributing positively to his ability to walk.

Catching the attention of his coach with determination and remarkable achievements, Yaraman secured a spot in the Paralympic national team at the age of 10.

Over about five years, the athlete clinched numerous victories in national competitions. In the recent final leg of the Para Swimming World Series held in Egypt, he proudly claimed gold, silver and bronze medals across different categories.

As Yaraman prepares for the Paralympic European Swimming Championships in Portugal, his ultimate dream is to clinch the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, a well-deserved achievement for earning his spot.

Champion by design, swimmer by destiny

In an exclusive interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), Turgut Aslan Yaraman revealed that a decade ago, he embarked on the swimming journey not to become a champion but to regain his health.

Initially not envisioning himself as a national athlete, Yaraman shared: “After a while, my coach said, ‘I will make you a champion.’ I believed in him, my family believed, and today, here I am. I worked hard and attended training sessions morning and night and that’s how I found success.”

The national swimmer emphasized how sports transformed his social life, making him more active and friendly.

Reflecting on his international success in the Para Swimming World Series this year, Yaraman said: “If I go somewhere, I go to succeed. Many around me were surprised that I became a world champion, but I knew I would be a champion. It wasn’t a surprise for me.”

Underscoring his unwavering commitment to continuous hard work, Yaraman outlined his initial goal of winning the European championship, followed by the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

“I believe I will become an Olympic champion. My sole focus is on becoming an Olympic champion. I will work morning and night. A challenging journey awaits us. I’m a bit excited, but it’s a long process. Nothing comes easy – every athlete dreams of wearing the national jersey and playing the national anthem. I am proud to have done that, and hopefully, more will come,” he said.

Coach’s vision

Coach Ali Şahin emphasized Yaraman’s disciplined approach as the key factor propelling the national swimmer’s progress. “For about 10 years, he has consistently worked with discipline and thankfully, today we have started to reap the rewards.”

Expressing high expectations for Yaraman’s future achievements, Şahin recalled, “We had already seen the light in Aslan. When I told him, ‘One day, you will be the champion of Europe, the world and the Olympics,’ he was still very young and couldn’t comprehend. But we truly saw the light in him. In the swimming championships we attended, especially when he competed alongside non-disabled children, he radiated that light to us.”

Source: Daily Sabah

The post Turkish Swimmer With Escobar Syndrome Soars Toward Paralympic Glory appeared first on Ankara Haftalik.

In a tale that blends tradition, skill and familial bonds, Ali Fuat Kurtuluş Kılıç, a seasoned athlete with the national mounted archery team, is forging a path alongside his 11-year-old prodigy son, Muhammet Cengiz, as they dream to emerge as the “best” on the global stage of mounted archery.

Kılıç, whose equestrian roots trace back to his Caucasus immigrant grandfathers, unveiled the family’s passion for this unique sport.

“I inherited this love for equestrian sports from my ancestors,” Kılıç said, emphasizing the deep cultural ties that bind them to the ancient practice.

The journey into mounted archery began for Kılıç in 2010, at a time when the sport was still in its infancy in Türkiye.

What started as a cultural event transformed into an officially recognized sport in 2014, thanks to the efforts of the Traditional Equestrian Sports Federation.

Fast forward to 2021, Kılıç and his son proudly represent the Performance Equestrian Archery and Equestrian Club, chaired by Zübeyir Bekiroğlu.

Breaking new ground, Kılıç highlighted a significant milestone from the previous year when the federation inked protocols with the World Mounted Archery Federation (WHAF) and the International Mounted Archery Association (IHAA).

“Mounted archery has officially gained an international dimension,” he said.

Their triumph on the European stage, where they clinched gold as a team, marked a historic moment for Turkish mounted archery.

Kılıç attributed this success to the growth and recognition of the sport, expressing optimism for its potential inclusion in the Olympics.

“For us, the Olympics is not a dream. We are working for this,” he added.

As Kılıç delved into the evolving landscape of mounted archery, he shed light on the sport’s rapid global development.

Reflecting on the unique pride of engaging in mounted archery as a father-son duo, he drew parallels to other athletic families, notably mentioning the father of Olympic archer Mete Gazoz.

Looking ahead, Kılıç outlined the professional categories within mounted archery, emphasizing the rigorous selection process for the national team based on competition successes.

He revealed that four athletes would soon represent Türkiye in the upcoming World Cup in Saudi Arabia, showcasing the sport’s expanding international footprint.

Beyond the competition, Kılıç underscored the cultural significance they bring to mounted archery, preserving a 5,000-year-old history through traditional attire, saddles, and headgear for both riders and horses.

Their commitment extends to keeping the spiritual culture alive, setting them apart in competitions like the European Championships.

In an inspiring twist, Kılıç spoke proudly of his son, Muhammet Cengiz, the 11-year-old Turkish horseback archery champion.

Having been groomed in the saddle since the tender age of three, Cengiz competes and excels in the sport.

His journey from junior champion in 2022 to the star category in 2023 speaks volumes about his skill and determination.

In Cengiz’s own words, “When I race with my father, all my excitement goes away; I feel like I’m flying with the horse.”

His aspirations reach new heights, mirroring the dreams of Olympic medalist Mete Gazoz.

“I want to represent Türkiye in Europe and return with a medal,” Cengiz added.

Source: Daily Sabah

The post Turkish Father-son Duo Aims to Conquer World of Mounted Archery appeared first on Ankara Haftalik.

The president of the French capital region announced on Tuesday that Paris metro ticket prices will nearly double during the 2024 Olympics.

However, residents with passes will be exempt from the temporary increase, while visitors will be charged “a fair price.”

The mayor of Paris warned last week that public transport services, provided by the regional authority, would be insufficient during the events. The Olympics will be held from July 26 to Aug. 11, and the Paralympics from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8.

“During the Olympics and the Paralympics, the Ile de France region will dramatically increase its transport offer. It is out of the question that the residents support that cost,” the region’s president Valerie Pecresse said on social media.

“We’re going to create a new pass, the Paris 2024 pass, that will allow visitors to travel through the whole Ile de France region. It will cost 16 euros a day, and up to 70 euros a week. It is the fair price,” Pecresse said in a video.

She said a single journey metro ticket will cost 4 euros ($4.38) for the period from July 20 to Sept. 8, adding that residents of the region with a usual monthly or yearly pass will not be affected.

A monthly pass normally costs 84.10 euros, while single journeys currently cost 2.10 euros.

Last week, Paris’s mayor hit out at Pecresse, saying the French capital would not be ready in terms of transport.

Transport Minister Clement Beaune backed Pecresse on Tuesday, saying Paris would be “ready,” adding that, “It is important that there are no changes for the Parisians during the Games.”

Pecresse said that it was crucial that the Paris region residents be spared.

“The prices will go up so that the Olympics are 100% accessible by public transport,” she told reporters at a test ride of the future Line 15 of the metro on Tuesday.

“Public services have a cost, and pretending otherwise is a lie. If it’s not the visitors who pay, it’s going to be the taxpayer.”

Source: Daily Sabah

The post Paris Metro Ticket Hike During 2024 Olympics Sparks Fair-Fare Frenzyw appeared first on Ankara Haftalik.

Vincenzo Montella, the maestro steering the Turkish football national team reins, unveiled his blueprint for Euro 2024 success, emphasizing the twin pillars of hard work and unwavering belief.

In a special statement to Anadolu Agency (AA), Montella shared insights from his Madrid rendezvous with Spanish-based Turkish players Arda Güler (Real Madrid), Çağlar Söyüncü (Atletico Madrid) and Enes Ünal (Getafe).

Acknowledging the challenges faced by Güler, Söyüncü, and Unal due to injury setbacks, Montella expressed his mission to elevate these players to new heights.

“Some of them had quite long-term injuries. My aim is to make these players, whom I have known as football players, better,” Montella affirmed, emphasizing the importance of getting to know them closely.

Singling out Arda Güler as an “incredible talent,” Montella also praised the youthful exuberance of Kenan Yıldız, recognizing and following the progress of other emerging talents.

Montella, known for his analytical approach, emphasized the need for a balanced blend of youth and experience to secure success.

“To look at the result, it is necessary to mix some things and handle them together—young players, those with a bit more experience, and seasoned veterans,” he said, hinting at a strategic approach in nurturing talents even beyond the upcoming European Championships.

Reflecting on the pivotal away victory against Croatia, Montella exuded confidence.

“We believed in it. We worked very hard that week. The children were very eager during the preparation period, and they believed in achieving something that was not considered possible before,” he said.

The triumph, he noted, highlighted the hard work and determination embedded in the team’s ethos.

With a secured spot in the European Championship, Montella expressed delight and highlighted the significance of upcoming matches, particularly against Germany and Wales, which will influence the group’s first-place standing.

The coach underlined the potential advantages of finishing first in the group, not just in terms of prestige but also in the subsequent draws.

As thoughts inevitably turn to the prospect of winning the Euro, Montella urged a measured approach.

“We need to move forward step by step. We have achieved an important goal. Now we have time to prepare,” he said, emphasizing the importance of readiness at the end of the season and prudent player selection.

Highlighting the unity and strength of the team, Montella commended the support from the Turkish Football Federation and the passionate Turkish fans.

“We are a strong family with the Federation behind us. We are a family of people who truly give us the feeling of belonging to this family,” he said.

In a reflection on his role as the Crescent-Stars’ gaffer, Montella recognized the profound responsibility of representing a nation through football.

“We represent the world. This is something that will never be forgotten,” he said, underscoring the cultural importance of football in Türkiye.

Known for his belief in hard work and a focus on on-field performance, Montella addressed the question of whether the national team could make dreams come true in the European Championship.

“First, we will work, then we will show it on the field. The bigger we dream, the more it takes a lot of work,” he added.

Navigating the unique challenges of coaching a national team for the first time, Montella admitted to initial doubts and concerns but expressed his love for the dynamic nature of the job.

“It is a dynamic job that requires constant updating. I try to watch all the matches. This is something I like. I find my own pace,” he said.

Asked about superstitions, Montella dismissed them, asserting his confidence in hard work and belief as the keys to success.

“I believe that only in this way can there be hope for luck,” he declared, eschewing supernatural beliefs.

In assessing the favorites for the Euro 2024, Montella pointed to powerhouse teams like France and England but acknowledged the strength of contenders like Belgium, Germany, Italy and Croatia, each carrying a storied history and a penchant for grandeur on the football stage.

Source: Daily Sabah

The post Montella Unveils Turkish National Team’s Euro 2024 Glory Masterplan appeared first on Ankara Haftalik.

Away from the football field, Makram Daboub, the head coach of the Palestinian national football team, grapples with challenges exacerbated by the Israel-Hamas conflict, now in its second month.

This conflict casts a shadow over the team’s training plans for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Daboub had hoped to include key players, Ibrahim Abuimeir, Khaled Al-Nabris and Ahmed Al-Kayed, in a crucial training camp in Jordan ahead of the World Cup qualifying clashes against Lebanon and Australia.

Unfortunately, the conflict has left them stranded in Gaza, unable to join the team.

Daboub finds solace in the safety of his players still in Gaza, even though many of their relatives have lost their lives due to the ongoing Israeli bombings.

“So far, they are fine,” Daboub said. “Many of their relatives have died, however, as a result of the bombing.”

The psychological toll on the players is undeniable. With families in danger and the weight of the conflict on their minds, the coach acknowledges the immense challenge of maintaining focus on football.

“With the death and destruction in Gaza, the players are in a difficult psychological state,” Daboub said.

Yet, amid the chaos, there is a resounding determination from both players and the Palestinian people to see the games through.

Susan Shalabi, the vice-president of the Palestine Football Association, emphasized the significance of the national team in representing the aspirations of a people seeking recognition and normalcy.

“This is a people that wants to be heard and seen by the rest of the world; they want to live normally like everyone else, so people care about their national team,” Shalabi passionately expressed to The Associated Press (AP). “It represents the yearning to be recognized as a free and sovereign nation.”

The Palestine Football Association, a full member of FIFA since 1998, dreams of a World Cup appearance in 2026, an achievement that would mark a historic milestone for a team that has yet to reach the finals through the Asian Football Confederation’s qualifying route.

Hope flickers with Asia’s increased automatic qualification allocation from four spots in 2022 to eight in 2026, with the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The Palestinian team, boasting the highest FIFA ranking of 73 in 2018, has previously appeared in the Asian Cup and secured a spot in the 2023 continental tournament in Qatar.

Daboub, pragmatic yet optimistic, recognizes the unpredictability of football but believes in the team’s potential to advance in the World Cup qualifiers.

“To be among the 18 teams that advance into that next stage of Asian qualifying, the Palestinians need to finish in the top two of a group containing Australia, Lebanon and Bangladesh,” Daboub explained.

Despite their current FIFA ranking of 96, the team remains hopeful, sitting eight places above Lebanon and a substantial 87 places above Bangladesh.

The journey is not without its disruptions.

Originally slated to host Australia, security concerns have moved the game to a neutral venue in Kuwait.

Preparations were further hampered when players could not participate in a Malaysian tournament last month.

Now, the team is stationed in Jordan to ensure smooth travel for upcoming games.

A pivotal match against Lebanon in the United Arab Emirates awaits, moved from Beirut due to security considerations. Daboub sees it as a significant step toward the next stage, expressing determination: “We will do our best. Football is the most popular game in the world. It brings people together. We aspire to achieve good results and qualify to show the Palestinian identity and that this is a people who deserve life and love peace.”

Source: Daily Sabah

The post Palestine’s Team Braces for World Cup Qualifiers Amid Gaza Crisis appeared first on Ankara Haftalik.

Four-time NBA champion LeBron James will inaugurate his official museum in his hometown of Akron, Ohio on Nov. 25, as announced by the James Family Foundation on Thursday.

“LeBron James’ Home Court” is described on its website as “A walk through the life and legacy of the kid from Akron,” who was a teen prodigy and became a global superstar and four-time NBA Most Valuable Player.

The museum, located in the foundation’s House Three Thirty venue in Akron, promises “an immersive journey that offers a look at his life through original artifacts.”

The Home Court will also feature “a multimedia storytelling experience that offers a look at LeBron’s life with never-before-seen items along his journey from Akron to the NBA, Olympics, business, philanthropy, and beyond.”

Photos posted on social media show a series of televisions with highlights from James’s career and a selection of trophies and memorabilia, including from his American football days.

“My dream was always to put Akron on the map so to have a place in my hometown that allows me to share my journey with my fans from all over the world means a lot to me,” James said in a statement on social media.

A self-guided tour will showcase never-before-seen items belonging to James, who was a high school star selected first overall in the 2003 NBA Draft by the nearby Cleveland Cavaliers.

James sparked the Cavs to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007 and was the NBA MVP in 2009 and 2010 before leaving for the Miami Heat, prompting anger from unhappy Cavs fans; some even burned James jerseys in frustration.

James won two NBA titles and two more MVP awards in four seasons with the Heat, then returned to the Cavaliers in 2014 and in 2016 led the Cavs to their first NBA title, beating Golden State in the finals to give Cleveland its first major sports champion since 1964.

James departed again in 2018 to join the Los Angeles Lakers and in 2020 led them to an NBA crown.

Last February, James surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time scoring leader.

Source: Daily Sabah

The post Akron Legacy: Lakers’ LeBron James to Unveil ‘Home Court’ Museum appeared first on Ankara Haftalik.

Turkish teams Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray and Beşiktaş faced a disappointing fourth week in the European leagues, falling short when it mattered most.

Fenerbahçe, enjoying a period of success, encountered a minor setback on the European stage with a 2-0 defeat against Ludogorets in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The Bulgarian team, Ludogorets, played host to the Turkish giants in the 4th match of Group H, marking a crucial moment in Fenerbahçe’s European journey.

Despite the defeat, Fenerbahçe maintained their leadership in Group H with 9 points, signaling resilience despite the stumble.

Ludogorets secured their victory with goals from Jakub Pietrowski in the 18th minute and Rwan Seco in the 90+2nd minute, leaving the Yellow Canaries stunned.

This loss marked a significant moment for Fenerbahçe, as it was their first failure to score in a match this season under the management of İsmail Kartal.

The team’s prolific scoring record took a hit in its 21st match, highlighting the unyielding defense of Ludogorets.

Fenerbahçe, a team known for its attacking prowess, had found the net 31 times in 11 league matches and 21 times in six European Conference League Qualifiers, experiencing a goal drought in this unexpected defeat.

Notably, Fenerbahçe’s 17-year-old rising star, Yusuf Akçiçek, made his official debut wearing the yellow-dark blue jersey in the Ludogorets match.

Akçiçek showcased remarkable skills, earning praise from both fans and coach Ismail Kartal.

Kartal emphasized the trust placed in Akçiçek, saying: “Playing him in such a European match actually shows how much we trust him. Today is a good day. He played a great match. He is a young and promising player.”

Looking forward, Fenerbahçe’s journey in the UEFA Europa Conference League continues as they gear up to face the Danish team Nordsjaelland in their 5th group stage match on Nov. 30.

Eagle’s nest burned

Meanwhile, in another Turkish football saga, Beşiktaş, who have been dismal lately, faced a 2-1 defeat against Bodo/Glimt in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

The Black Eagles, who came into the match aiming to advance in the group stage, lost the opportunity after Club Brugge secured a victory over Lugano in the same group.

The clash between Beşiktaş and Bodo/Glimt saw the Norwegian team take the lead with Moumbagna’s goals in the 38th and 49th minutes.

Despite a spirited effort from Beşiktaş, including a stylish goal from Tayfur Bingöl in the 64th minute, they fell short of a comeback.

Adding to the challenges, Beşiktaş captain Necip Uysal received two yellow cards in the 47th and 90+3rd minutes, resulting in his marching orders and leaving the team with 10 players.

The defeat placed Beşiktaş at the bottom of the group with a single point after the fourth week.

In the aftermath of the match, facing significant backlash, interim coach Burak Yılmaz was compelled to step down from the helm of the Istanbul-based team, with the announcement coming on Friday

With the fifth week looming, Beşiktaş faces a crucial match against Club Brugge, while Bodo/Glimt hosts Lugano on the same day.

The Lions silenced

Switching gears to Galatasaray’s encounter in the UEFA Champions League Group A, the Lions found themselves on the wrong side of a 2-1 defeat against Bayern Munich.

The highly anticipated match showcased Bayern Munich’s offensive prowess, with Harry Kane securing victory with goals in the 80th and 86th minutes.

Despite Galatasaray’s valiant effort, including a late goal from Cedric Bakambu in extra time, they could not overcome the clinical finishing skills of Harry Kane.

The result leaves Galatasaray at four points, with Bayern Munich securing the top spot in Group A with an impressive 12 points.

Source: Daily Sabah

The post Turkish European Dreams Dim as Fenerbahçe, Galatasaray, BJK Crumble appeared first on Ankara Haftalik.