Türkiye has achieved a significant milestone at the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Women`s World Championship, securing their inaugural podium finish and a spot in the gold medal match held in Thailand.
Despite an early deficit against Japan in the semifinals, the reigning European champions staged a remarkable comeback. Led by an outstanding performance from star opposite Melissa Vargas, Türkiye dominated to win 3-1 (16-25, 25-17, 25-18, 27-25) at Bangkok`s Huamark Indoor Stadium.
The Turkish national team is set to compete for the gold medal on Sunday against the victor of the second semifinal between Italy and Brazil, with the final scheduled for 19:30 local time (12:30 GMT). Earlier that day, Japan will vie for the bronze medal against the team defeated in the second semifinal.
This inaugural World Championship medal marks another significant achievement for Türkiye`s exceptionally talented volleyball generation. Under the guidance of head coach Daniele Santarelli, the team previously secured titles at the Volleyball Nations League and the European Championship in 2023, followed by their first-ever Olympic Games semifinal appearance in Paris the next year.
Melissa Vargas, at 25, arguably the most prominent player of her generation, proved to be the pivotal force against Japan. In her debut World Championship appearance representing Türkiye (having previously played for Cuba in 2014), she delivered an exceptional performance, accumulating 28 points through 26 kills, one block, and one ace.
Captain Eda Erdem and Ebrar Karakurt were also instrumental in Türkiye`s win, each contributing 13 points. Erdem, a middle blocker, recorded nine kills and four blocks, while outside hitter Karakurt achieved 11 kills and two blocks.
“I was certain we would win in the final two points because of our incredible comeback; we couldn`t lose after that. We consistently pour our hearts onto the court, and we once again demonstrated our spirit. I am immensely proud of this team. It feels surreal, and I don`t think I can fully grasp our accomplishment at this moment. However, we`ll quickly move past this game and channel our focus entirely on the final.”
— Cansu Özbay, Setter for Türkiye
Ultimately, Türkiye`s formidable blocking proved decisive for the European side, as they outscored their Asian opponents 12-6 in blocks. Other aspects of the game were more evenly matched: Türkiye had a slight lead in kills (58-55), Japan edged out Türkiye in aces (five to four), and both teams capitalized on 19 opponent errors.
For Japan, opposite Yukiko Wada maintained her high performance, leading her team with 22 points in the semifinal against Türkiye, comprising 19 kills, two aces, and one block. Following her, star outside hitter and captain Mayu Ishikawa contributed 19 points, from 17 kills and two aces.
“Although we lost today, we still have an opportunity to win a medal. Regrettably, we failed to secure crucial points at the end of sets, which is something we must improve upon for tomorrow’s match.”
— Mayu Ishikawa, Captain for Japan
On Sunday, the Japanese team will aim to secure a World Championship podium finish for the first time since 2010, when they earned a bronze medal, which was their seventh medal in the tournament`s history.
Finley Blackwood