Fresh off their third consecutive European championship, Türkiye’s amputee soccer nationwide group continues their rigorous preparations for the upcoming Balkan Championship in Kırşehir.
The squad will prepare at Ahi Evran University Stadium till Oct. 15, decided so as to add extra silverware to their assortment.
Head coach Ismail Temiz, talking to Anadolu Agency (AA), outlined the group’s ambitions, highlighting their aim of triumphing on the 2026 World Cup by combining expertise with youthful vitality.
“Türkiye’s strong presence in amputee football is well known, and we aim to showcase this strength on the world stage,” Temiz stated. “With 11.5 million disabled residents in our nation, our mission is to combine them into society by sports activities, providing each a social outlet and a platform for elite athletes to signify their nation.”
Reflecting on the group’s journey, Temiz added: “We began with a 64-player training camp in Marmaris, and now in Kırşehir, we are preparing a select group for the Balkan Championship. Afterward, they will compete in the Nations League, aiming to become champions, and our ultimate goal is to win the 2026 World Cup.”
Temiz proudly talked about Türkiye’s dominance in amputee soccer, with the nation profitable the Champions Cup on the membership stage for the previous 4 years. “This is the first-ever Balkan Championship, and we want to be the inaugural champions. We have set the bar high in Europe, and we plan to keep it that way,” he concluded.
Captain Halil Ibrahim Esen expressed his pleasure for the Balkan Championship, eagerly anticipating one other title for Türkiye. “We’ve developed a fantastic bond with our new players, and we are confident that we’ll bring the trophy home. We are grateful for the hospitality from the people of Kırşehir and hope to celebrate the championship here,” Esen said. “For lots of our teammates, it’s their first worldwide event, and we’re each proud and excited for them. Their dream is to carry the cup, and we intend to make it a actuality.”
Newly chosen nationwide group participant Ibrahim Uçakcı shared his enthusiasm about competing in his first event with the group.
“It’s a blessing to be right here, and we’re decided to not let down those that consider in us. We hope to return from Albania with the championship and later battle for the Nations League title. My long-term dream is to remain within the nationwide group, lead the youthful era, and make my mark within the 2026 World Cup,” Uçakcı stated.
Source: www.dailysabah.com