Turkish Volleyball Federation President Akif Ustundag's interview to Idman.biz website
- It is 2 days that you are in Azerbaijan. How would you rate your meetings?
- I am very happy to be here. I have witnessed that the Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation has done very important things after its reconstruction. We were very happy that they were aware of the importance of volleyball and worked for the development of this sport.
- What are the main provisions of the protocol signed between the volleyball federations of Azerbaijan and Turkiye?
- We are deeply attached to our brother country. Today we made it official. We will strengthen cooperation in lower age groups and the main national team. We will also organize seminars and trainings together.
- At one time, our national team was a headache for any opponent in the European and World Championships. What should be started to restore traditions?
- The last time we were in Baku was at the European Championship organized by Azerbaijan and where Turkiye was the 3rd. At that time, your team advanced to the semi-finals. Azerbaijan has previously taken important places in the European and world championships. I see that you have started from scratch with the new leadership of the federation and this team. Today we witnessed that you want to create a Volleyball Academy where athletes born in 2012 will be educated. About 1500-3000 volleyball players will be involved here. Shahin Chakma, the coordinator of the lower age groups, will supervise it. He won European and world championships in Turkiye. In this regard, I can say that the Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation is doing a very good job. I hope that after 2024, Azerbaijan will take place both in Europe and the world, as well as in the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments.
- Is it possible for Azerbaijanis to play as local volleyball players in Turkiye in the future?
- We are ready to implement this issue since yesterday. We will be very happy if our volleyball players in Azerbaijan and Turkiye do not fall into the limit. But the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) has a policy. We will apply to CEV together regarding this issue.
- Are our clubs and national teams supposed to hold "brotherly" matches?
- Yes, we have it in our plan.
- We know that Faig Garayev played a role in the development of volleyball in Turkiye. Can it be said that the beginning of your path to the championship begins at that time?
- Faig Garayev is a person who has been active in Turkish volleyball for a long time and has become a legend. He has a great service in this matter. Both in our clubs and in our national team. He is also a legend in Azerbaijan. I see that Faig Garayev's role in your new development path is also great. I think that Azerbaijani volleyball will come to its rightful place as soon as possible.
- With what impression will you leave Azerbaijan?
- I will go happily and proudly without looking back.
Emin Aga
Idman.biz
