Sport in Northern Cyprus

{{Short description|none}}  There are 29 sports federations in [[Northern Cyprus]] and 13,838 people registered in them as of 2008. [[Taekwondo]]-[[karate]]-[[aikido]]-[[kurash]] is the most popular sport with 6054 athletes. It is followed by [[association football]] (2240 athletes), [[shooting sports|shooting]] (1150 athletes) and [[hunting]] (1017 athletes).<ref>TRNC State Planning Organization. ''2008 Yılı Makroekonomik ve Sektörel Gelişmeler'', p.176-179.</ref>

Due to the lack of international recognition, Northern Cyprus is not a member of some international sporting bodies.

Some Northern Cyprus sport clubs participate in Turkey's sport leagues. For example: the Fast Break Sport Club, in Turkey's Men's Basketball Regional League; the Beşparmak Sport Club, in Turkey's Handball Premier League; and the Lefka European University, in Turkey's Table-tennis Super League. The international record for swimming 75 km between Turkey and Northern Cyprus belongs to Turkish national Alper Sunaçoğlu (completed in 26 hours and 15 minutes).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.brtk.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11800:turkish-swimmers-record&catid=5:kktc&Itemid=28 |title=Swimming record from Turkey to Northern Cyprus |publisher=Brtk.net |access-date=2010-11-17}}</ref>

==International participation and achievements==

===Badminton=== * [http://www.cyprusbadminton.eu Badminton Federation of North Cyprus] is an observer member of [[World Badminton Federation]] and European Badminton Confederation.

===Basketball=== * The [[Erkekler Basketbol Süper Ligi|men's basketball Super League]] operates since 1981. * In May 2015, the [[Northern Cyprus national basketball team|national basketball team]] played two friendly matches against [[Abkhazia national basketball team|Abkhazia]], losing the first one by 59–76<ref>[http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/41/news/163653/PageName/SPOR Kibris Postasi] 29 May 2015</ref> and winning the second one by 59–47.<ref>[http://www.sporkibris.com/ikinci-mac-kktcnin/ Spor Kibris] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151020000711/http://www.sporkibris.com/ikinci-mac-kktcnin/ |date=2015-10-20 }} 30 May 2015</ref> Both matches were played in Northern Cyprus. * In April 2017, [[Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi (women's basketball)|Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi]] became champions in the [[2016–17 EuroCup Women|FIBA EuroCup Women]]. Since [[Northern Cyprus]] is not a member of FIBA, Northern Cypriot [[Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi (women's basketball)|Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi]] registered in Turkey's basketball league to compete in FIBA Eurocup.<ref>[https://neu.edu.tr/near-east-university-is-now-within-the-eurocup-groups/ NEU Official Website]...Representing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus at the EuroCup Women’s Basketball, ...</ref>

===Billiards=== * [http://www.bfnc.net Billiards Federation of North Cyprus (BFNC)] is a member of the [[European Pocket Billiard Federation]] (EPBF).<ref>[http://www.epbf.com/organ/members.htm European Pocket Billiard Federation's Members] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222102328/http://www.epbf.com/organ/members.htm |date=2012-02-22 }} Billiard Federation of North Cyprus (BFNC) is a member of European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF)</ref> The national teams of Cyprus and Northern Cyprus played each other in an international sport tournament for the first time in the 2010 European billiards championships in Kielce, Poland.<ref>[http://www.kibrispostasi.com/print.php?news=36706] 2010 European Billiard Championship Scoreboard</ref><ref>[http://www.billiardapps.com/drawresults.asp?db=epc&client=&eventnr=2010110&header=no&eventheader=yes&showtabs=yes&tab=Tournament&footer=yes&tournament=MT Billiardapps] North Cyprus - Cyprus match results</ref> The country, North Cyprus, is also a member of [[World Pool-Billiard Association#Member confederations and countries|World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)]] and Union Mondial de Billard.<ref>[http://www.umb-carom.org/AP/cm/PG116L2/Union-Mondiale-de-Billard.aspx UMB members]</ref> * 2014 Dynamic Billard European Championships (with 32 participating countries) was hosted by Northern Cyprus.<ref>[http://epbf.com/european-championships/dynamic-billard-european-championships-started/ European Pool Billard Federation official website] Dynamic Billard European Championships Started</ref>

===Bocce=== * Bocce Federation of North Cyprus is a member of the [[Bocce|International Bocce Association]].

===Bodybuilding=== * Bodybuilding and Fitness: 2010: Yakup Çavuşgil became [[World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation]] (WBFF) champion in the championship in Canada.

===Darts=== * The team of [[Northern Cyprus]] Darts Federation became third in darts championship in Spain.<ref>[http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/41/news/141357/PageName/SPOR Kibrispostasi] The team of Northern Cyprus Darts Federation won third place in Spain</ref>

===EasyKart=== * EasyKart Federation of North Cyprus is a member of the International EasyKart Federation.<ref>[http://www.easykartinternational.com/worldwide.htm International EasyKart Federation's Members] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007025352/http://www.easykartinternational.com/worldwide.htm |date=2011-10-07 }} EasyKart Federation of North Cyprus is a member of International EasyKart Federation</ref> 2008: Zeka Özteknik became International Easykart champion in 125cc.<ref>[http://www.easykartinternational.com/finale2008.html 2008 International Easykart Championship] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007025401/http://www.easykartinternational.com/finale2008.html |date=2011-10-07 }} Zeka Özteknik of Northern Cyprus became champion.</ref>

===Football=== {{main|Football in Northern Cyprus|Northern Cyprus national football team}} * In 1975, FIFA general-secretary Helmut Kaser granted permission for [[Cyprus Turkish Football Federation]] to play friendly internationals against FIFA countries, but not competitive games; this permission was abolished in 1983 when [[Northern Cyprus]] was declared.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.footandball.net/football-reunites-cyprus/|title=Football Reunites in Cyprus|date=March 30, 2021}}</ref><ref>Daria Isachenko, The Making of Informal States: Statebuilding in Northern Cyprus and Transdniestria, p.189</ref> * The [http://www.ktff.org Turkish Cypriot Football Federation] administers a football league in Northern Cyprus. * Northern Cyprus is among the countries listed by the [[FIFA]] Working Committee on Small Nations.<ref>[http://www.playthegame.org/news/news-articles/2011/cas-ruling-puts-new-focus-on-small-football-nations/ PlayTheGame]</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.playthegame.org/fileadmin/documents/PTG-FIFA_Small_Nations_table1.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116183825/http://www.playthegame.org/fileadmin/documents/PTG-FIFA_Small_Nations_table1.pdf|title=FIFA's potential new members|archivedate=November 16, 2011|website=www.playthegame.org}}</ref> * Northern Cyprus is a member of Confederation of Independent Football Associations (ConIFA).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://conifaofficial.wordpress.com/northern-cyprus/|title=NORTHERN CYPRUS|date=July 9, 2014}}</ref> * In September 2014, Demetris Vasiliou became the first Greek Cypriot football player to sign for a team in the Northern Cypriot league. He plays for Değirmenlik (team of [[Kythrea]]).<ref>{{cite news|title=Vasiliou to play in the north|url=http://cyprus-mail.com/2014/09/26/vasiliou-to-play-in-the-north/|access-date=30 September 2014|work=Cyprus Mail|date=26 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Değirmenlik Kulübü'nün dün kadrosuna kattığı Demetris Vasiliou, KTFF liglerinde forma giyen ilk Rum futbolcu olacak|url=http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=540497|access-date=30 September 2014|work=Kıbrıs Gazetesi|date=25 September 2014}}</ref> Greek Cypriot nationalists labelled him a "traitor" and surrounded his home, preventing him from attending his first match with the team.<ref>{{cite news|title=Greek Cypriot footballer labelled traitor for joining Turkish Cypriot team|url=http://www.worldbulletin.net/world/145377/greek-cypriot-footballer-labelled-traitor-for-joining-turkish-cypriot-team|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006133927/http://www.worldbulletin.net/world/145377/greek-cypriot-footballer-labelled-traitor-for-joining-turkish-cypriot-team|url-status=usurped|archive-date=October 6, 2014|access-date=30 September 2014|work=Worldbulletin|date=29 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Çevik|first1=İlnur|title=Are Greek Cypriots ready to embrace Turks?|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/columns/ilnur-cevik/2014/09/30/are-greek-cypriots-ready-to-embrace-turks|website=Daily Sabah|access-date=30 September 2014|date=30 September 2014}}</ref> Vasiliou said he received death threats. He also lost his job as youth coach of [[Omonia Aradippou]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Stevenson|first1=Peter|title=Soccer-Sport back on the front-line of Cypriot political divide|url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-cyprus-idUKL3N0S132K20141006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306122209/http://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-cyprus-idUKL3N0S132K20141006|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 6, 2016|access-date=7 October 2014|work=Reuters|agency=Thomson Reuters|date=6 October 2014}}</ref> * [[CONIFA]] Euro 2017 will be hosted by [[Northern Cyprus]].<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20170424085015/http://conifaeuro2017.com/ CONIFA 2017] Home Page of CONIFA Euro 2017</ref>

===Football Tennis=== * Football Tennis Association of North Cyprus is a member of the [[Football tennis|Federation International de Footballtennis Association]].<ref>[http://fifta.org/en/pages/main/members.html Federation International Football ennis Association] Members</ref> Northern Cyprus placed 6th in the 9th World Footballtennis Championship<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fifta.org/9WC/World%20Championship%20-%20Men,%20Results.html|title=North Cyprus became 6th in 9th World Footballtennis Championship}}</ref> * The 2011 European FootballTennis Championship was hosted by [[Northern Cyprus]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fifta.org/portal/detaljno.asp?katID=1&subID=84&dataID=112|title=2011 European FootballTennis Championship is in Northern Cyprus}}</ref> * The 2014 World FootballTennis Championship was hosted by [[Northern Cyprus]] in 19–24 October.<ref>[http://fifta.org/en/articles/wc-cyprus-2014/ 11th World Footballtennis Championship]</ref>

===Gymnastics=== * [http://www.kktccimnastikfederasyonu.com Turkish Cypriot Gymnastic Federation] administers the related activities in the country.

===Handball=== * [http://www.northcyprushandball.com Handball Federation of Northern Cyprus] administers a league in the country.

===Shooting=== * Shooting: TRNC Shooting Federation participated in Airgun Championships 2011 in Bisley, UK and the team became 2nd.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nsra.co.uk/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=457&Itemid=81|title=NSRA.co.uk}}</ref>

===Martial arts=== * [http://kktctaekwondo.org.tr|Taekwon-do Federation of North Cyprus] is a member of [[Global Taekwon-do Federation]] (GTF).<ref>[http://www.gtftaekwondo.com/page6/index.html GTF] Members</ref> * The 9th GTF World Championship in 2013 was hosted by North Cyprus.<ref>[http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=95763 Star] North Cyprus to host GTF World Championship in 2013</ref> * The headquarters of "Eurasia Taekwondo Federations Union" is in [[Kyrenia]] of [[Northern Cyprus]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kktctaekwondo.org.tr/avrasya-taekwondo-federasyonlar-birligi/|title = KKTC Taekwondo Judo Karate Aikido Hapkido Kung Fu Kurash Wushu Muaythai Federasyonu – AVRASYA TAEKWONDO FEDERASYONU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://kktctaekwondo.org.tr/federasyonumuz/federasyonun-tarihcesi/|title = KKTC Taekwondo Judo Karate Aikido Hapkido Kung Fu Kurash Wushu Muaythai Federasyonu – FEDERASYONUN TARİHÇESİ}}</ref> * Judo, Hapkido and Kickboxing federation of Northern Cyprus became a member of [[International Sport Kickboxing Association]] (ISKA) in 2011.<ref>[http://www.iska-europe.eu/news/145-welcome-new-member-qnorth-cyprusq-in-the-iska-family.html ISKA Official website] Welcome new member "North Cyprus" in the ISKA Family</ref> * 14th Euro-Asia Taekwon-Do Championships and First World Budo Martialarts Championships will be organized in Northern Cyprus in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://gtfnorthcyprus.com/27-trnc-w-t-f-taekwondo-championships-14-th-euro-asia-gtf-taekwondo-championships/|title=GTF Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus – Official Invitation}}</ref> * Northern Cyprus participated to the World Kickboxing Championship organized by International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA) in 2015.<ref>[http://www.kktcjhkf.org/] Northern Cyprus Judo, Hapkido and Kickbox Federation</ref>

===Tennis=== *Eliz Maloney Yorganci from [http://www.kktf.org Tennis Federation of Northern Cyprus] became champion in the 2014 UK Masters 14U Tennis Tournament.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.lta.org.uk/News/2014/June/02-06-2014/2014-Nike-Clay-Court-Championships-Champions-/|title=LTA British Tennis}}</ref>

===Volleyball=== * [http://www.kktcvoleybol.org/anasayfa.aspx Volleyball Federation of Northern Cyprus] administers a league in the country.

===Wrestling=== * [[Northern Cyprus]] is an associate a member of [[United World Wrestling]], previously known as FILA.<ref name="FILA">{{cite web |url=http://www.fila-official.com/index.php?option=com_annuaire_fila&act=liste2&fed=0&filtre_continent=0&filtre_pays=0&Itemid=156 |title=Official FILA site |publisher=Fila-wrestling.com |date=2006-05-01 |access-date=2010-04-28 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711001545/http://www.fila-official.com/index.php?option=com_annuaire_fila&act=liste2&fed=0&filtre_continent=0&filtre_pays=0&Itemid=156 |archive-date=11 July 2011}}]</ref> The UWW Bureau members raised no objection to the application of [[Northern Cyprus]] in 2008.<ref>[https://unitedworldwrestling.org/sites/default/files/54-110826_recognition_of_kosovo.pdf UWW] UWW President's note</ref>

===Multi-sport events=== * On 18 May 2010 Northern Cyprus became a member of the [[Islamic Solidarity Sports Association|Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation]] (ISSF).<ref>[http://www.oic-oci.org/37cfm/en/documents/res/37-CFM-POL-RES-ENGLISH-FINAL.pdf North Cyprus became a member of ISSF] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202414/http://www.oic-oci.org/37cfm/en/documents/res/37-CFM-POL-RES-ENGLISH-FINAL.pdf |date=2016-03-03 }} NC is a member of ISSF.</ref>

==Membership of international sports federations== {{see also|Membership of Northern Cyprus in international organizations}} Northern Cyprus has gained membership of the following federations:

{| class="wikitable sortable" |- ! style="width:175px;"|Entity!! Notes!! Status!! Date |- | [[Football tennis|Federation International de Football-Tennis Association]] (FIFTA) || Northern Cyprus is a full member of FIFTA.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://fifta.net/en/pages/main/members.html | title=Members }}</ref> || Member || |- | [[Futsal European Federation]] || Northern Cyprus is a member.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://futsaleuropeanfederation.com/north-chyprus/ | title=Northern Cyprus }}</ref> || Member || |- | [[European Pocket Billiard Federation]] (EPBF) || Northern Cyprus (TNC) is a full member of EPBF.<ref name="EPBF">{{cite web|author=|date=July 27, 2020|title=Members of EPBF|url=https://www.epbf.com/about/members/|access-date=February 16, 2021|work=EPBF.com|publisher=European Pocket Billiard Federation}}{{Dead link|date=June 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> || Member || |- | [[United World Wrestling]] (UWR) || Northern Cyprus is an associate member of UWR.<ref name="FILA"/><ref>{{Cite web | title=Wrestling body approves N Cyprus membership | url=https://www.newsturkish.com/wrestling-body-approves--n-cyprus-membership-2011-06-20.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220817204951/https://www.newsturkish.com/wrestling-body-approves--n-cyprus-membership-2011-06-20.html | access-date=2024-12-21 | archive-date=2022-08-17}}</ref> || Associate member || June 2011 |- | [[World Pool-Billiard Association]] (WPBF) || Northern Cyprus is a member of the WPBF.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://wpapool.com/about-us/continental-members/epbf/ | title=EPBF | access-date=2022-08-17 | archive-date=2020-03-21 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200321103818/https://wpapool.com/about-us/continental-members/epbf/ | url-status=dead }}</ref> || Member || |}

==See also== * [[Football in Northern Cyprus]]

==References== {{Reflist|30em}}

{{Sports governing bodies in Northern Cyprus}} {{National sports teams of Northern Cyprus}} {{Northern Cyprus topics}} {{Sport in Asia}} {{Sport in Europe}}

[[Category:Sport in Northern Cyprus| ]]