23 May 2025
Trophies Presented at the 4th International Cudi Cup Tennis Tournament
The trophies have been awarded at the 4th International Cudi Cup Tennis Tournament, held from 19 to 23 May with the participation of 46 athletes from 8 countries. The tournament took place at Mehmet Emin Acar Campus, located within the Şırnak University grounds. The trophy ceremony was attended by the Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak, Şırnak Governor Birol Ekici, Turkish Tennis Federation President Şafak Müderrisgil, AK Party Şırnak Member of Parliament Arslan Tatar, and Şırnak Mayor Mehmet Yarka.
Osman Aşkın Bak: “Today, the sound of tennis rackets echoes in the same mountains where rockets once did.”
Watching the final matches of the tournament held on courts named “Cudi,” “Gabar,” “Faraşin,” “Kato,” “Botan,” and “Sefine” under the theme “Smiling Faces”, Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak stated that they came to Şırnak to witness this excitement, this energy, and the vibrant spirit of youth.
Emphasizing that the Cudi Cup Tennis Tournament, now in its 4th edition, continues to grow each year, Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak said: “In regions once associated with terrorism, we now see the energy of youth, sports, enthusiasm, unity, and love. A wind of peace is blowing across every corner of Türkiye. That’s why this tournament carries such deep meaning. With the strong will and determination of our Presiden, and in his own words, for a ‘Türkiye free of terrorism,’ which will be our greatest achievement, we are all working together. This event is a clear example of that vision. Young people are playing sports here. In the very mountains that once echoed with the sounds of conflict and rockets, we now hear the sounds of rackets, and feel the excitement and joy of youth. We want a strong, growing, and thriving Türkiye, not the difficult, dark days of the past. We want excitement. We want hope.”
Minister Osman Aşkın Bak emphasized that Şırnak continues to receive significant investments in sports, noting that the 2025 investment program includes numerous facilities such as youth centers, indoor sports halls, and semi-Olympic swimming pools. He stated that tenders have already been held for some of these projects, while preparations and planning are ongoing for others. In addition, he announced plans to construct a 1,000-capacity dormitory in the region.
Minister Osman Aşkın Bak stated that they would soon deliver high-quality sports facilities to Şırnak and the youth of the region. He continued:
“Our President is a leader who comes from the world of sports and has a deep understanding of it. He has made major investments in sports infrastructure. Thousands of facilities have been built, and continue to be built, including stadiums, indoor swimming pools and indoor sports halls. Here, you can see the tennis courts built earlier with the support of our Ministry and Spor Toto, including both indoor and outdoor courts. Şırnak currently has around 5,600 licensed tennis players and this number is steadily increasing. Our Tennis Federation President, Ms. Şafak, has brought tremendous energy to the sport and continues to closely follow developments. We are actively continuing facility construction. Elfida Algit is a national athlete in tennis. Nurselen Yalgettekin became the European U22 boxing champion. Pınar Benek Gençler finished second in the world. In weightlifting, Harun Algül, a young athlete from this region, became European champion. We continue to see talented young athletes being trained and developed, and we will keep supporting them. With such sporting events and the growing number of tournaments, this region will continue to develop, tourism will flourish and together, we are building a stronger Türkiye.”
Minister Osman Aşkın Bak thanked all those who contributed to and participated in the tournament, emphasizing that all efforts are dedicated to building a stronger Türkiye and supporting the country’s youth. He stated, “We extend our gratitude to our President for his leadership. No one can stand in the way of this nation. The Republic of Türkiye will continue to grow and advance toward its goals, together with its youth. We will work together for a Türkiye free from terrorism.”
Şafak Müderrisgil: “The sound of tennis rackets rising in Şırnak is one of the strongest symbols of hope and change.”
President of the Turkish Tennis Federation, Şafak Müderrisgil, stated that this year’s event welcomed 46 athletes from 8 countries, emphasizing that it was not only a sports competition but also a special occasion where friendships were built, cultures came together, and the unifying language of peace through sport was celebrated.
Expressing that it is an indescribable source of pride to see this beautiful region, once associated with hardship, now remembered for tennis, sport, and positivity, Turkish Tennis Federation President Şafak Müderrisgil stated:
"Today, the sound of tennis rackets rising in Şırnak is one of the strongest symbols of hope and change. Şırnak is stepping out of the shadows of the past and moving toward a future illuminated by the power of sport and we are all on this journey together.
We are truly pleased that this tournament, held at the foothills of Mount Cudi, serves as an inspiration for the youth of the region. As the Turkish Tennis Federation, our vision has always been to ensure that tennis courts are visible not only in major cities but in every corner of Türkiye, so that every child's dream can take root with a racket in hand."
Emphasizing that this dream in Şırnak has taken the name “Cudi Cup,” Şafak Müderrisgil said, “Our young generation are now competing on the same courts, chasing the same dreams, and striving alongside the rest of the world.”
Birol Ekici stated, “With the facilities you have brought, we will achieve even greater success both nationally and internationally.”
Governor Birol Ekici also expressed their pride and happiness in organizing the fourth edition of the Cudi Tennis Tournament, which welcomes athletes from around the world. He said: “Today, we are witnessing the reflection of the unity, solidarity, and brotherhood initiative launched under the leadership of our President. Thanks to the unifying power of sports, our young people are now exploring for oil in these mountains and spending their remaining time engaging in sports here.”
Ekici emphasized that Şırnak is one of the provinces with a high youth population and stated: “I extend my sincere thanks for bringing such valuable sports facilities to our young population. With the medals our young athletes win around the world, along with our oil resources and work ethic, we will continue to add value to our country. These new facilities will help us achieve even greater success both nationally and internationally. We will continue to make every effort to advance the project of unity, solidarity, and brotherhood.”
Arslan Tatar: “The world is hearing the language of peace from Cudi.”
AK Party Şırnak Member of Parliament Arslan Tatar stated that what they witnessed today was not just a tournament, but a transformation. He emphasized that, through this event, they experienced the most powerful expression of peace, unity, and hope beneath the shadow of Mount Cudi.
Arslan Tatar pointed out that international sports events are now being held in regions once associated with conflict and stated:
"Where fear once prevailed, young athletes are now swinging rackets and building friendships. The world is hearing the language of peace from Cudi. This success is no coincidence, it is the result of the ‘Century of Türkiye’ vision. It reflects the wisdom of the state, the will of the nation, and the trust placed in youth. Under the leadership of our President, Şırnak is no longer associated with terrorism but instead with sport, no longer with conflict but with unity, and no longer with despair but with youth. Dear Minister, thanks to your support, youth centers are being established in Şırnak, swimming pools and sports facilities are being opened. Today, not only children but also dreams are growing on this region."
Mehmet Yarka: "This tournament is not only where rackets meet, but also where hearts come together."
Mayor Mehmet Yarka stated that the 4th International Cudi Cup Tennis Tournament is a meaningful event where not only sport but also peace, culture, and fraternity come together. He emphasized that today, they gathered here with athletes from all around the world, united through the language of friendship, sportsmanship, and peace.
“This tournament is not only where rackets meet, but also where hearts come together,” said Yarka, stating that they believe in the youth and are working day and night to make Şırnak a center of sports and culture.
Yarka expressed that, with this belief, as local administrations they stand by women in every aspect of life, and that through youth centers they are building energy, hope, and the future together.
In the final matches, Kirill Gutuev claimed the title in boys’ singles, while Asya Ay emerged as the champion in girls’ singles.
Deniz Şengül and Can Taşkıran won the boys’ doubles title, while Yasemin Pilatin and Yaroslava Sribna emerged as champions in the girls’ doubles title.
The trophies were presented to the top-ranked players by Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak and Turkish Tennis Federation President Şafak Müderrisgil.
23 May 2025
