# Sport in Northern Cyprus

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There are 29 sports federations in [Northern Cyprus](/source/Northern_Cyprus) and 13,838 people registered in them as of 2008. [Taekwondo](/source/Taekwondo)-[karate](/source/Karate)-[aikido](/source/Aikido)-[kurash](/source/Kurash) is the most popular sport with 6054 athletes. It is followed by [association football](/source/Association_football) (2240 athletes), [shooting](/source/Shooting_sports) (1150 athletes) and [hunting](/source/Hunting) (1017 athletes).[1]

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).[2]

## International participation and achievements

### Badminton

- [Badminton Federation of North Cyprus](http://www.cyprusbadminton.eu) is an observer member of [World Badminton Federation](/source/World_Badminton_Federation) and European Badminton Confederation.

### Basketball

- The [men's basketball Super League](/source/Erkekler_Basketbol_S%C3%BCper_Ligi) operates since 1981.

- In May 2015, the [national basketball team](/source/Northern_Cyprus_national_basketball_team) played two friendly matches against [Abkhazia](/source/Abkhazia_national_basketball_team), losing the first one by 59–76[3] and winning the second one by 59–47.[4] Both matches were played in Northern Cyprus.

- In April 2017, [Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi](/source/Yak%C4%B1n_Do%C4%9Fu_%C3%9Cniversitesi_(women's_basketball)) became champions in the [FIBA EuroCup Women](/source/2016%E2%80%9317_EuroCup_Women). Since [Northern Cyprus](/source/Northern_Cyprus) is not a member of FIBA, Northern Cypriot [Yakın Doğu Üniversitesi](/source/Yak%C4%B1n_Do%C4%9Fu_%C3%9Cniversitesi_(women's_basketball)) registered in Turkey's basketball league to compete in FIBA Eurocup.[5]

### Billiards

- [Billiards Federation of North Cyprus (BFNC)](http://www.bfnc.net) is a member of the [European Pocket Billiard Federation](/source/European_Pocket_Billiard_Federation) (EPBF).[6] 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.[7][8] The country, North Cyprus, is also a member of [World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA)](/source/World_Pool-Billiard_Association#Member_confederations_and_countries) and Union Mondial de Billard.[9]

- 2014 Dynamic Billard European Championships (with 32 participating countries) was hosted by Northern Cyprus.[10]

### Bocce

- Bocce Federation of North Cyprus is a member of the [International Bocce Association](/source/Bocce).

### Bodybuilding

- Bodybuilding and Fitness: 2010: Yakup Çavuşgil became [World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=World_Bodybuilding_and_Fitness_Federation&action=edit&redlink=1) (WBFF) champion in the championship in Canada.

### Darts

- The team of [Northern Cyprus](/source/Northern_Cyprus) Darts Federation became third in darts championship in Spain.[11]

### EasyKart

- EasyKart Federation of North Cyprus is a member of the International EasyKart Federation.[12] 2008: Zeka Özteknik became International Easykart champion in 125cc.[13]

### Football

Main articles: [Football in Northern Cyprus](/source/Football_in_Northern_Cyprus) and [Northern Cyprus national football team](/source/Northern_Cyprus_national_football_team)

- In 1975, FIFA general-secretary Helmut Kaser granted permission for [Cyprus Turkish Football Federation](/source/Cyprus_Turkish_Football_Federation) to play friendly internationals against FIFA countries, but not competitive games; this permission was abolished in 1983 when [Northern Cyprus](/source/Northern_Cyprus) was declared.[14][15]

- The [Turkish Cypriot Football Federation](http://www.ktff.org) administers a football league in Northern Cyprus.

- Northern Cyprus is among the countries listed by the [FIFA](/source/FIFA) Working Committee on Small Nations.[16][17]

- Northern Cyprus is a member of Confederation of Independent Football Associations (ConIFA).[18]

- 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](/source/Kythrea)).[19][20] Greek Cypriot nationalists labelled him a "traitor" and surrounded his home, preventing him from attending his first match with the team.[21][22] Vasiliou said he received death threats. He also lost his job as youth coach of [Omonia Aradippou](/source/Omonia_Aradippou).[23]

- [CONIFA](/source/CONIFA) Euro 2017 will be hosted by [Northern Cyprus](/source/Northern_Cyprus).[24]

### Football Tennis

- Football Tennis Association of North Cyprus is a member of the [Federation International de Footballtennis Association](/source/Football_tennis).[25] Northern Cyprus placed 6th in the 9th World Footballtennis Championship[26]

- The 2011 European FootballTennis Championship was hosted by [Northern Cyprus](/source/Northern_Cyprus).[27]

- The 2014 World FootballTennis Championship was hosted by [Northern Cyprus](/source/Northern_Cyprus) in 19–24 October.[28]

### Gymnastics

- [Turkish Cypriot Gymnastic Federation](http://www.kktccimnastikfederasyonu.com) administers the related activities in the country.

### Handball

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

### Shooting

- Shooting: TRNC Shooting Federation participated in Airgun Championships 2011 in Bisley, UK and the team became 2nd.[29]

### Martial arts

- [Federation of North Cyprus](http://kktctaekwondo.org.tr%7CTaekwon-do) is a member of [Global Taekwon-do Federation](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Global_Taekwon-do_Federation&action=edit&redlink=1) (GTF).[30]

- The 9th GTF World Championship in 2013 was hosted by North Cyprus.[31]

- The headquarters of "Eurasia Taekwondo Federations Union" is in [Kyrenia](/source/Kyrenia) of [Northern Cyprus](/source/Northern_Cyprus).[32][33]

- Judo, Hapkido and Kickboxing federation of Northern Cyprus became a member of [International Sport Kickboxing Association](/source/International_Sport_Kickboxing_Association) (ISKA) in 2011.[34]

- 14th Euro-Asia Taekwon-Do Championships and First World Budo Martialarts Championships will be organized in Northern Cyprus in 2014.[35]

- Northern Cyprus participated to the World Kickboxing Championship organized by International Sport Kickboxing Association (ISKA) in 2015.[36]

### Tennis

- Eliz Maloney Yorganci from [Tennis Federation of Northern Cyprus](http://www.kktf.org) became champion in the 2014 UK Masters 14U Tennis Tournament.[37]

### Volleyball

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

### Wrestling

- [Northern Cyprus](/source/Northern_Cyprus) is an associate a member of [United World Wrestling](/source/United_World_Wrestling), previously known as FILA.[38] The UWW Bureau members raised no objection to the application of [Northern Cyprus](/source/Northern_Cyprus) in 2008.[39]

### Multi-sport events

- On 18 May 2010 Northern Cyprus became a member of the [Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation](/source/Islamic_Solidarity_Sports_Association) (ISSF).[40]

## Membership of international sports federations

See also: [Membership of Northern Cyprus in international organizations](/source/Membership_of_Northern_Cyprus_in_international_organizations)

Northern Cyprus has gained membership of the following federations:

Entity Notes Status Date Federation International de Football-Tennis Association (FIFTA) Northern Cyprus is a full member of FIFTA.[41] Member Futsal European Federation Northern Cyprus is a member.[42] Member European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) Northern Cyprus (TNC) is a full member of EPBF.[43] Member United World Wrestling (UWR) Northern Cyprus is an associate member of UWR.[38][44] Associate member June 2011 World Pool-Billiard Association (WPBF) Northern Cyprus is a member of the WPBF.[45] Member

## See also

- [Football in Northern Cyprus](/source/Football_in_Northern_Cyprus)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** TRNC State Planning Organization. *2008 Yılı Makroekonomik ve Sektörel Gelişmeler*, p.176-179.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Swimming record from Turkey to Northern Cyprus"](http://www.brtk.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11800:turkish-swimmers-record&catid=5:kktc&Itemid=28). Brtk.net. Retrieved 2010-11-17.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** [Kibris Postasi](http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/41/news/163653/PageName/SPOR) 29 May 2015

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** [Spor Kibris](http://www.sporkibris.com/ikinci-mac-kktcnin/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20151020000711/http://www.sporkibris.com/ikinci-mac-kktcnin/) 2015-10-20 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) 30 May 2015

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** [NEU Official Website](https://neu.edu.tr/near-east-university-is-now-within-the-eurocup-groups/)...Representing the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus at the EuroCup Women’s Basketball, ...

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [European Pocket Billiard Federation's Members](http://www.epbf.com/organ/members.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120222102328/http://www.epbf.com/organ/members.htm) 2012-02-22 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) Billiard Federation of North Cyprus (BFNC) is a member of European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [\[1\]](http://www.kibrispostasi.com/print.php?news=36706) 2010 European Billiard Championship Scoreboard

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** [Billiardapps](http://www.billiardapps.com/drawresults.asp?db=epc&client=&eventnr=2010110&header=no&eventheader=yes&showtabs=yes&tab=Tournament&footer=yes&tournament=MT) North Cyprus - Cyprus match results

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** [UMB members](http://www.umb-carom.org/AP/cm/PG116L2/Union-Mondiale-de-Billard.aspx)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [European Pool Billard Federation official website](http://epbf.com/european-championships/dynamic-billard-european-championships-started/) Dynamic Billard European Championships Started

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** [Kibrispostasi](http://www.kibrispostasi.com/index.php/cat/41/news/141357/PageName/SPOR) The team of Northern Cyprus Darts Federation won third place in Spain

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** [International EasyKart Federation's Members](http://www.easykartinternational.com/worldwide.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20111007025352/http://www.easykartinternational.com/worldwide.htm) 2011-10-07 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) EasyKart Federation of North Cyprus is a member of International EasyKart Federation

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** [2008 International Easykart Championship](http://www.easykartinternational.com/finale2008.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20111007025401/http://www.easykartinternational.com/finale2008.html) 2011-10-07 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) Zeka Özteknik of Northern Cyprus became champion.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["Football Reunites in Cyprus"](https://www.footandball.net/football-reunites-cyprus/). March 30, 2021.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Daria Isachenko, The Making of Informal States: Statebuilding in Northern Cyprus and Transdniestria, p.189

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** [PlayTheGame](http://www.playthegame.org/news/news-articles/2011/cas-ruling-puts-new-focus-on-small-football-nations/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** ["FIFA's potential new members"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111116183825/http://www.playthegame.org/fileadmin/documents/PTG-FIFA_Small_Nations_table1.pdf) (PDF). *www.playthegame.org*. Archived from [the original](http://www.playthegame.org/fileadmin/documents/PTG-FIFA_Small_Nations_table1.pdf) (PDF) on November 16, 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["NORTHERN CYPRUS"](https://conifaofficial.wordpress.com/northern-cyprus/). July 9, 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-19)** ["Vasiliou to play in the north"](http://cyprus-mail.com/2014/09/26/vasiliou-to-play-in-the-north/). *Cyprus Mail*. 26 September 2014. Retrieved 30 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** ["Değirmenlik Kulübü'nün dün kadrosuna kattığı Demetris Vasiliou, KTFF liglerinde forma giyen ilk Rum futbolcu olacak"](http://www.kibrisgazetesi.com/?p=540497). *Kıbrıs Gazetesi*. 25 September 2014. Retrieved 30 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Greek Cypriot footballer labelled traitor for joining Turkish Cypriot team"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141006133927/http://www.worldbulletin.net/world/145377/greek-cypriot-footballer-labelled-traitor-for-joining-turkish-cypriot-team). *Worldbulletin*. 29 September 2014. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved 30 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Çevik, İlnur (30 September 2014). ["Are Greek Cypriots ready to embrace Turks?"](http://www.dailysabah.com/columns/ilnur-cevik/2014/09/30/are-greek-cypriots-ready-to-embrace-turks). *Daily Sabah*. Retrieved 30 September 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** Stevenson, Peter (6 October 2014). ["Soccer-Sport back on the front-line of Cypriot political divide"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160306122209/http://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-cyprus-idUKL3N0S132K20141006). *Reuters*. Thomson Reuters. Archived from [the original](http://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-cyprus-idUKL3N0S132K20141006) on March 6, 2016. Retrieved 7 October 2014.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** [CONIFA 2017](https://web.archive.org/web/20170424085015/http://conifaeuro2017.com/) Home Page of CONIFA Euro 2017

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** [Federation International Football ennis Association](http://fifta.org/en/pages/main/members.html) Members

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** ["North Cyprus became 6th in 9th World Footballtennis Championship"](http://www.fifta.org/9WC/World%20Championship%20-%20Men,%20Results.html).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["2011 European FootballTennis Championship is in Northern Cyprus"](http://www.fifta.org/portal/detaljno.asp?katID=1&subID=84&dataID=112).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** [11th World Footballtennis Championship](http://fifta.org/en/articles/wc-cyprus-2014/)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["NSRA.co.uk"](http://www.nsra.co.uk/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=457&Itemid=81).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** [GTF](http://www.gtftaekwondo.com/page6/index.html) Members

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** [Star](http://www.starkibris.net/index.asp?haberID=95763) North Cyprus to host GTF World Championship in 2013

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** ["KKTC Taekwondo Judo Karate Aikido Hapkido Kung Fu Kurash Wushu Muaythai Federasyonu – AVRASYA TAEKWONDO FEDERASYONU"](http://kktctaekwondo.org.tr/avrasya-taekwondo-federasyonlar-birligi/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["KKTC Taekwondo Judo Karate Aikido Hapkido Kung Fu Kurash Wushu Muaythai Federasyonu – FEDERASYONUN TARİHÇESİ"](http://kktctaekwondo.org.tr/federasyonumuz/federasyonun-tarihcesi/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** [ISKA Official website](http://www.iska-europe.eu/news/145-welcome-new-member-qnorth-cyprusq-in-the-iska-family.html) Welcome new member "North Cyprus" in the ISKA Family

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["GTF Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus – Official Invitation"](http://gtfnorthcyprus.com/27-trnc-w-t-f-taekwondo-championships-14-th-euro-asia-gtf-taekwondo-championships/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-36)** [\[2\]](http://www.kktcjhkf.org/) Northern Cyprus Judo, Hapkido and Kickbox Federation

1. **[^](#cite_ref-37)** ["LTA British Tennis"](http://www.lta.org.uk/News/2014/June/02-06-2014/2014-Nike-Clay-Court-Championships-Champions-/).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FILA_38-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FILA_38-1) ["Official FILA site"](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). Fila-wrestling.com. 2006-05-01. Archived from [the original](http://www.fila-official.com/index.php?option=com_annuaire_fila&act=liste2&fed=0&filtre_continent=0&filtre_pays=0&Itemid=156) on 11 July 2011. Retrieved 2010-04-28.]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** [UWW](https://unitedworldwrestling.org/sites/default/files/54-110826_recognition_of_kosovo.pdf) UWW President's note

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** [North Cyprus became a member of ISSF](http://www.oic-oci.org/37cfm/en/documents/res/37-CFM-POL-RES-ENGLISH-FINAL.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160303202414/http://www.oic-oci.org/37cfm/en/documents/res/37-CFM-POL-RES-ENGLISH-FINAL.pdf) 2016-03-03 at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) NC is a member of ISSF.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** ["Members"](http://fifta.net/en/pages/main/members.html).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** ["Northern Cyprus"](https://futsaleuropeanfederation.com/north-chyprus/).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-EPBF_43-0)** ["Members of EPBF"](https://www.epbf.com/about/members/). *EPBF.com*. European Pocket Billiard Federation. July 27, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2021.[*[permanent dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot)*]

1. **[^](#cite_ref-44)** ["Wrestling body approves N Cyprus membership"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220817204951/https://www.newsturkish.com/wrestling-body-approves--n-cyprus-membership-2011-06-20.html). Archived from [the original](https://www.newsturkish.com/wrestling-body-approves--n-cyprus-membership-2011-06-20.html) on 2022-08-17. Retrieved 2024-12-21.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-45)** ["EPBF"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200321103818/https://wpapool.com/about-us/continental-members/epbf/). Archived from [the original](https://wpapool.com/about-us/continental-members/epbf/) on 2020-03-21. Retrieved 2022-08-17.

v t e Sports governing bodies in Northern Cyprus (NCY) Summer Olympic Sports Aquatics Diving Swimming Synchronized Swimming Water Polo Archery Athletics Badminton Basketball Boxing Canoeing Cycling Equestrian Fencing Field Hockey Football Golf Gymnastics Handball Judo Modern Pentathlon Rugby 7's Rowing Sailing Shooting Table Tennis Taekwondo Tennis Triathlon Volleyball inc. Beach Volleyball Weightlifting Wrestling Winter Olympic Sports Biathlon Bobsleigh Curling Skating (Figure, Speed & Short Track) Ice Hockey Luge Skeleton Skiing (Alpine, Cross Country, Nordic Combined, Freestyle & Jumping) Snowboarding Other IOC Recognised Sports Air sports Auto racing Bandy Baseball Billiard Sports Boules Bowling Bridge Chess Cricket Dance sport Floorball Karate Korfball Lifesaving Motorcycle racing Mountaineering and Climbing Netball Orienteering Pelota Vasca Polo Powerboating Racquetball Roller sports Rugby Softball Sport climbing Squash Sumo Surfing Tug of war Underwater sports Water Ski Wushu Paralympics and Disabled Sports Others Sports Rugby League Rugby Union

v t e National sports teams of Northern Cyprus Basketball Football

v t e Northern Cyprus articles History Cyprus problem Intercommunal violence Green Line Turkish invasion Refugees Annan Plan 2004 Annan Plan referendums Turkish Federated State of Cyprus Declaration of independence Geography Cities, towns and villages Extreme points Mammals Foreign relations Diplomatic missions Representative Office to the United States Politics Assembly Constitution Districts Elections Law enforcement Political parties President Prime Minister Council of Ministers Embargoes Military Security Forces Command Turkish military forces in Northern Cyprus Economy Banks Central Bank Turkish lira (currency) Telecommunications Kuzey Kıbrıs Turkcell KKTC Telsim Tourism Society Citizenship Crime Education universities and colleges Human rights LGBT Mass media Women abortion Culture Cuisine Dances Newspapers Television Museums Sport football Holidays Republic Day Demographics Ethnicities Turkish Cypriots diaspora Turkish settlers Enclaved Greek Cypriots Maronites Languages Turkish Cypriot Turkish Symbols Anthem Coat of arms Flag Outline Category

v t e Sport in Asia Sovereign states Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Cyprus Egypt Georgia India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan North Korea South Korea Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal Oman Palestine Pakistan Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore Sri Lanka Syria Tajikistan Thailand Timor-Leste (East Timor) Turkey Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen States with limited recognition Abkhazia Northern Cyprus South Ossetia Taiwan Dependencies and other territories British Indian Ocean Territory Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Hong Kong Macau Category Asia portal

v t e Sport in Europe Sovereign states Albania Andorra Armenia Austria Azerbaijan Belarus Belgium Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Estonia Finland France Georgia Germany Greece Hungary Iceland Ireland Israel Italy Kazakhstan Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland Turkey Ukraine United Kingdom England Northern Ireland Scotland Wales Vatican City States with limited recognition Abkhazia Kosovo Northern Cyprus South Ossetia Transnistria Dependencies and other entities Åland Faroe Islands Gibraltar Guernsey Isle of Man Jersey Svalbard Other entities European Union

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Sport in Northern Cyprus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_in_Northern_Cyprus) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sport_in_Northern_Cyprus?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.