The yr 2023 will ceaselessly be remembered as a yr of unprecedented triumphs and historic firsts for the Turkish nationwide ladies’s volleyball staff, affectionately referred to as the “Sultans of the Internet.”
This outstanding staff’s journey via the FIVB Nations League, CEV European Championship, and 2024 Paris Olympic Video games Qualifiers was nothing in need of spectacular, setting data that can resonate via generations.
The stage was set in Japan, the place the Sultans of the Internet squared off in opposition to formidable opponents, together with host Japan, Brazil, Belgium, Bulgaria, Puerto Rico, Argentina, and Peru in Group B of the 2024 Paris Olympic Video games Qualifiers, the last word battleground of the season.
What adopted was sheer volleyball brilliance.
Türkiye’s nationwide staff powered via the competitors, delivering flawless performances.
Their dominance was evident of their victories in opposition to Puerto Rico (3-0), Bulgaria (3-0), Peru (3-1), Argentina (3-1), Brazil (3-0), Japan (3-1) and Belgium (3-0).
A flawless report of seven out of seven victories earned them the coveted spot within the 2024 Paris Olympic Video games, marking the primary time they secured their place as undefeated leaders.
The magnitude of their achievement turns into much more astounding when you think about their unbroken streak of twenty-two wins throughout the FIVB Nations League (6), CEV European Championship (9) and 2024 Paris Olympic Video games Qualifiers Group B (7).
Underneath Italian head coach, Daniele Santarelli, the Sultans of the Internet had been the one staff that emerged undefeated within the qualifiers.
Their journey to the highest was a narrative of resilience and ability, culminating of their triumphant standing as champions.
Their odyssey started within the FIVB Nations League, the place they displayed their prowess on a world stage.
Notable victories in opposition to South Korea (3-0), Serbia (3-1), Italy (3-0), and an exhilarating victory over the Netherlands (3-2) highlighted their dedication and ability.
Their journey to the ultimate in Arlington, Texas, was paved with resounding victories over Thailand, Brazil, and Croatia (all 3-0).
In an exhilarating climax, they secured the gold medal by defeating Italy (3-0) and the U.S. (3-1) within the semifinals and finals, respectively.
This monumental victory not solely earned them the gold medal but in addition propelled them to the highest of the nationwide rankings for the primary time in Turkish volleyball historical past.
Their dominance continued as they secured victory in opposition to Japan within the 2024 Paris Olympic Video games Qualifiers, guaranteeing their top-ranking standing till Might 2024.
The Sultans of the Internet continued their outstanding journey within the CEV European Championship, the place they exhibited unassailable energy.
Victories over Sweden (3-0), Azerbaijan (3-0), Czechia (3-1) and Greece (3-0) within the group stage paved approach for his or her development to the quarterfinals.
Right here, they triumphed over the host Belgium (3-1) to safe a spot within the semifinals.
Within the quarterfinals, Poland was no match for Türkiye, as they had been defeated with out dropping a set.
The semifinal was a thriller, with the Sultans of the Internet coming from behind to stun the reigning European champions, Italy, with a remaining rating of 3-2.
The grand finale noticed them dealing with Serbia, the very staff that denied them the championship in 2019.
But, this time, it was Türkiye’s flip to shine, as they emerged victorious with a 3-2 scoreline, clinching their first European championship.
Daniele Santarelli’s appointment as the pinnacle coach in December 2022 proved to be a masterstroke.
In his debut as head coach, he led the staff to 9 wins out of 12 matches within the FIVB Nations League and secured his first gold medal within the match.
Subsequently, he guided the staff to their historic European championship win and earned their ticket to the Olympics.
Turkish gamers have a good time after qualifying for the Olympics following win in opposition to Belgium, Brussels, Belgium, Sept. 24, 2023. (IHA Photograph)
Underneath Santarelli’s astute management, the nationwide staff achieved an astounding 28 wins in 31 matches.
Their journey was marked by redemption, as they overcame earlier defeats to the U.S., Poland and Japan in different competitions.
