In anticipation of the 2023 European Championships, the Turkish girls’s under-20 basketball nationwide workforce is leaving no stone unturned, intensifying their preparations.
Bracing themselves for a difficult journey in Group D, pitted in opposition to formidable opponents akin to Italy, Belgium, and Latvia, the workforce has arrange camp in Kocaeli underneath head coach Kadir Mert Oktay.
Coach Oktay, in an unique interview with Anadolu Agency (AA), revealed that the workforce has been relentless of their preparations for almost a month.
The coaching routine started with rigorous bodily workouts, regularly transitioning to honing their technical and tactical prowess.
Reflecting on the latest pleasant match in opposition to Montenegro, Oktay acknowledged the dear classes discovered and the newfound readability in figuring out the workforce’s shortcomings.
With the championship in Lithuania quick approaching, Oktay expressed plans to prepare 4 to 5 extra pleasant matches, guaranteeing the workforce’s readiness.
“I am privileged to work with a group of players who possess tremendous character and an unparalleled work ethic. These young athletes never cease to devote their energy and strength. We are making excellent progress, and our dedicated coaching staff is fully committed to nurturing each player individually,” he stated.
Regarding the difficulty of injured gamers, Oktay shared that together with two athletes from the under-18 nationwide workforce would bolster the squad, permitting them to proceed their preparations with a 16-member workforce.
Oktay intends to keep up this workforce composition till the event begins so long as accidents do not hinder their progress.
“The girls represent the future generation of basketball, comprising the best players under 20 from all participating countries. We have started dissecting the teams in our group, with the ultimate goal of finishing at the top of our group and advancing to cross-group C. The final match in this phase will be of paramount importance. By securing victory, we will secure our place in the top 8,” Oktay stated.
While the group stage holds its personal challenges, Oktay expressed the workforce’s burning want to spice up their morale and triumph in subsequent matches.
“Our sights are set on reaching the medal match. Our objective in the tournament is to clinch a spot among the top 3 and bring home a well-deserved medal,” he affirmed.
National basketball participant Selin Rachel Gül echoed Oktay’s sentiments, emphasizing the workforce’s unwavering dedication and intense preparation spanning six years as a unified era.
Gül highlighted the distinctive camaraderie throughout the workforce, constructed upon a profound understanding of one another’s strengths and weaknesses.
“We possess a unique ability to uplift and motivate one another, fostering a tightly knit family atmosphere. Our collective motivation and preparedness are unmatched,” she stated.
Undeterred by the hindrances they’ve encountered of their journey thus far, Gül mirrored their unwavering ambition.
“We have experienced both highs and lows in the past. Consequently, we are determined to ensure impeccable preparation this year and secure a coveted medal. This represents our ultimate goal in the European Championship,” Gül affirmed.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
