European Games under special focus of the ESC leadership

The European Games are coming to Istanbul in 2027 – and the ESC is leaving nothing to chance. Today, the Confederation's leadership travelled to Turkiye for a working visit as part of the ongoing preparations for the Games.

In true ESC fashion, the delegation made every hour count – holding parallel meetings across two of Turkiye's key cities: Ankara and Istanbul.

ESC President Alexander Ratner and Vice-President Vessela Letcheva held high-level meetings in Ankara with Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Hamza Yerlikaya, Turkish Olympic Committee President Ozan Çakır, and Turkish Shooting Federation President Murat Kocakaya and Vice-President Tayfun Anlar. The talks centred on the development and promotion of shooting sports in Türkiye and the current state of preparations for the European Games Istanbul 2027.

At the same time, ESC Secretary General Yahor Aleinik and Sport Director Elena Allen held meetings with Mr. Murat Kocakaya and Mr. Tayfun Anlar, before heading to the construction site of the new shooting complex – the future home of shooting sports at the European Games 2027.

Mr. Aleinik also held productive meetings with EOC Sports Director Peter Brüll, Turkish National Olympic Committee Secretary General Neşe Gündoğan and Sports Director Erdem Doğan. The conversations focused on the future of shooting sports in Europe – and in Turkiye in particular, where the sport has deep roots. A tradition carried proudly into the future by world-renowned names such as Yusuf Dikeç and Şevval İlayda Tarhan.

The new shooting complex is being built on the initiative of the Istanbul 2027 Organising Committee in close consultation with the ESC. It will include an indoor range for air events and five outdoor ranges for shotgun disciplines – designed not only for the European Games, but also as a permanent venue for future European-level Championships. Construction is being carried out in full accordance with ESC standards.

Speaking as Head of the ESC European Games Working Group, Vessela Letcheva shared her impressions from the site inspection and the ongoing preparations for Europe's biggest multi-sport event:

"The necessary actions and steps by the hosts for the timely construction of the shooting complex were discussed in detail. For us as a management, it is extremely important for the athletes to be provided with the best conditions – and, together with colleagues from the various sports included in the programme, to be part of this Olympic celebration."

Ms. Letcheva also outlined the key priorities of the Working Group: to provide the best expert solutions regarding the shooting facilities. To declare our readiness and support for the development of our sport in the Olympic family. During the talks, firm commitments were made by the hosts that the facilities will be completed on time. It is also planned to organize and hold a test event.

---

Leave a comment