Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak Speaks Ahead of Konyaspor-Palestine Match

Youth and Sports Minister Osman Aşkın Bak, in his speech at the Palestine Youth Forum held in Konya, stated that more than a thousand athletes and administrators have lost their lives in Gaza since October 7, 2023, and gave a message of support ahead of the friendly match between Konyaspor and the Palestine National Football Team.

Palestine Youth Forum Held

Organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Konya Metropolitan Municipality, and the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum, the opening ceremony of the Palestine Youth Forum took place at the Selçuklu Congress Center as part of Palestine Day. Minister Osman Aşkın Bak delivered a speech at the ceremony.

Losses in Gaza and Infrastructure Damage

According to official reports, more than a thousand Palestinian athletes, coaches, referees, and sports administrators have lost their lives in Gaza since October 7, 2023. While 90 percent of the sports infrastructure in the region has been destroyed, more than 285 sports facilities have also been demolished.

Turkey's Stance and Emphasis on Trade

Minister Osman Aşkın Bak condemned Israel's attacks and stated that Turkey, under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, stands by the rightful cause of the Palestinian people and is the sole country to completely cut off trade with Israel.

Historic Friendly Match and Message of Support

Referring to the historic friendly match between Konyaspor and the Palestine National Football Team to be played at the Konya Metropolitan Municipality Stadium, Minister Bak emphasized to the Palestinian athletes, "Our home is your home."