During his speech at the opening ceremony in Zeytinburnu, President Erdoğan highlighted the importance of sports in global city branding, drawing comparisons with cities like Barcelona, Tokyo, Los Angeles, and London, which have become internationally recognized for their sports facilities.

“We are proud to be inaugurating in Istanbul yet another center that combines the city’s historical and cultural richness with sports,” Erdoğan stated. He emphasized that the new center would not only serve as a sports complex but also contribute to Istanbul’s growing status as a hub for global sports.

President Erdoğan pointed out that many developed countries consider sports facilities as strategic investments, both for their prestige and their future. He affirmed that the Basketball Development Center is a step towards Istanbul becoming one of the world’s sports capitals, alongside its established reputation for history, culture, and arts.

“With this magnificent center, Istanbul will become one of the capitals of not only history, culture, and arts, but also sports,” Erdoğan said. He expressed his belief that the development of Turkish basketball, supported by this center, will help elevate Istanbul and Türkiye on the international sports stage.

The President concluded by expressing hope that the new facility will be beneficial to young athletes, basketball enthusiasts, and the nation, and that it will serve as a platform for future victories that will promote Istanbul as a global sports hub. (ILKHA)