VakifBank Women’s Volleyball Team has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing its third Guinness World Record. The Istanbul-based team was honored for setting a new record as the most successful team in the history of the CEV Women’s Champions League, having claimed the title six times.
The historic achievement was celebrated at a ceremony held at the VakifBank Sports Palace in Istanbul, where Guinness World Records adjudicator Seyda Subasi Gemici presented the certificate to VakifBank Sports Club President Abdi Serdar Ustunsalih. Ustunsalih expressed immense pride, stating, “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.”
VakifBank’s impressive record extends beyond the Champions League. The team previously earned Guinness World Records for “Most Consecutive Wins in Official Matches” and “Most Titles in the FIVB Club World Championship.” Their dominance in European volleyball began with their first CEV Champions League title in 2011, followed by wins in 2013, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2023, solidifying their position as the most decorated team in the tournament’s history.
Head Coach Giovanni Guidetti, present at the ceremony, acknowledged the increasing strength of their competitors but remained confident in his 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,” Guidetti said.
VakifBank’s success extends its impact beyond the court, inspiring young athletes, particularly girls, across Türkiye. General Manager Banu Can Schurmann emphasized the team’s forward-looking goals, stating, “Our past successes motivate us to aim higher. We want to elevate VakifBank to the pinnacle of global volleyball.”
In addition to VakifBank’s achievements, Türkiye’s national women’s volleyball team, known as the “Sultans of the Net,” has also made history by advancing to the semifinals of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Their thrilling 3-2 victory over China marks the first time Türkiye’s women’s team has reached the Olympic semifinals, further establishing the country as a formidable force in international volleyball.
As VakifBank continues to set new records and achieve excellence, the team’s legacy and impact on the sport remain significant both nationally and globally.
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