National Federation Presidents honoured in Italy and Türkiye

The leaders of the National Federations of Italy and Türkiye received earlier this month some truly highly prestigious awards in recognition of their efforts and work for the growth of Volleyball in their countries as well as of the unprecedented success achieved on the international stage. 

Giuseppe Manfredi, President of the Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV), was among the recipients of the so-called ‘Collare d’Oro’, the ‘Golden Collars’ awarded by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) to athletes, coaches, sports officials and clubs contributing to Italy’s success and excellence across a variety of sports. Mr Manfredi joined on the stage a number of medallists from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games – as well as colleagues from other successful National Federations in charge of tennis, sailing, and athletics, to name only a few.  
 
“Receiving the Collare d’Oro is an extraordinary honour and a source of immense satisfaction for me,” said Manfredi. “I regard this prestigious award not merely as a personal recognition, but above all as a tribute to the fantastic work carried out by our entire, wonderful community. It is an honour I wish to share with the hundreds of thousands of people who, every single day, with passion, commitment, and dedication, contribute to the growth and success of Italian Volleyball.” Italy boast the reigning men’s and women’s world champions following their global success in 2025 – with the women’s national team standing out as the reigning Olympic champions and silver medallists from this year’s CEV EuroVolley as well.  

Mehmet Akif Üstündağ, President of the Turkish Volleyball Federation (TVF), was honoured with the ‘Lifetime Contribution to Sports Award’ as part of the 10th annual Mustafa V. Koç Sports Awards organised in collaboration with the Koç Group and the Turkish National Olympic Committee. Throughout his career – spanning his time as an athlete, coach, and administrator – Üstündağ has made significant contributions to the development of Turkish Volleyball. He received this prestigious award in recognition of his extensive efforts, which range from the international successes of national teams and the strengthening of grassroots infrastructure to the cultivation of young athletes and the promotion of Volleyball across the country. 

In his acceptance speech, Mr Üstündağ expressed his gratitude to the jury and the selection committee, the Koç Group, and the Turkish National Olympic Committee: “I feel a great sense of pride and joy in receiving the ‘Lifetime Contribution to Sports Award’ at the 10th annual Mustafa V. Koç Sports Awards. Being deemed worthy of such a meaningful honour is not just a source of personal happiness for me; it also serves as a highly valuable recognition for Turkish sports and Turkish Volleyball, to which I have dedicated a vast portion of my life.”

Moreover, this past weekend the Turkish women’s national team – affectionately known as the ‘Sultans of the Net’ – was honoured with the award conferred upon “Those Who Add Value to the Republic” at a ceremony and gala held in Bursa to mark the 103rd anniversary of the Turkish Republic.

Following their success in 2023, Team Türkiye crowned themselves Nations League and EuroVolley champions in 2026. The ‘Sultans of the Net’ were recognised for their achievements on the international stage and for the exemplary way they have represented Türkiye.  The award was accepted on behalf of the national team by TVF President Mehmet Akif Üstündağ. 

In his speech at the ceremony, President Üstündağ noted that the international successes achieved by the national team extend far beyond mere sporting results; they also serve to strengthen the spirit of solidarity and unity within the country.