Turkish club wins gold in world women's volleyball championship

By Fatih Erel

ISTANBUL

Reigning world champions Turkish club Vakifbank on Sunday again captured the gold medal in the 2018 FIVB Volleyball Women's Club World Championship in China.

Vakifbank beat Brazil's Minas Tenis Clube 3-0 in the final to retain the tournament championship, following wins in 2013 and 2017.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday sent a telegram congratulating the team, according to the presidential press office. 

Youth and Sports Minister Mehmet Muharrem Kasapoglu also congratulated Vakifbank and Eczacibasi VitrA on their successes. 

"The efforts of both our representatives in the field have been a source of happiness for us. Such great successes achieved by our representatives in international competitions fill us with pride," said Kasapoglu, according to a ministry statement.

Turkey’s Eczacibasi VitrA Istanbul, the 2015 and 2016 winners, also took home a bronze medal from the championship on Sunday.

Eczacibasi VitrA beat Brazilian club Praia Clube 3-0 to claim third place in the championship.