29.03.2026 17:10
Kubilay Kaan Kundakçı, who lost his life in a shooting incident in Istanbul, was not forgotten in Kars. The young footballer's passing caused deep sorrow in the sports community, while his teammates and fans paid tribute to him with a meaningful gesture.
Regional Amateur League (BAL) Group 1 team Kars 36 Spor commemorated their football player Kubilay Kaan Kundakçı, who lost his life in an armed attack in Istanbul.
KARS 36 SPOR REMEMBERS KUBILAY KAAN KUNDAKÇI
Kars 36 Spor faced Murat 2020 Genç Spor in the 21st week match of BAL Group 1 at Kars City Stadium. The players of Kars 36 Spor wore t-shirts with a photo of Kubilay Kaan Kundakçı and entered the field with a banner saying, "We Will Not Forget You." Additionally, a moment of silence was held for Kundakçı before the match.
'KUBILAY DID NOT DIE, HE LIVES IN OUR HEARTS'
His friends placed carnations at the memorial corner with Kundakçı's photo and on the empty seat in the substitutes' bench. The fans chanted slogans saying, "Kubilay did not die, he lives in our hearts."
'A PAINFUL LOSS'
Kars 36 Spor Club President Toker Bulut stated in a press release that they remember Kubilay Kaan Kundakçı with mercy, saying, "May our football player's family, Turkish sports, and our community be consoled. It is a painful loss; we cannot find the words to express it."
'WE LOST A PURE TURKISH CHILD'
Team captain Ali İhsan Özkanca expressed his sorrow over losing his teammate, stating, "Unfortunately, there are no words to describe our pain and sadness, but we lost not just a teammate, but our brother. We lost a brother with whom we have fought for bread here for months, who we have shared the same corridors, the same dining hall, the same training, and the same field. Above all, we lost a pure Turkish child."
'WE WILL PLAY FOR KUBILAY'
Football player Hüseyin Çiray stated that they took the field for Kubilay, saying, "Today we are entering a match with the sadness of our friend. First of all, may his family be consoled, and then the entire Kars community. We will play today's match for our brother Kubilay."
KARS 36 SPOR LEFT THE FIELD VICTORIOUS
Football player Burak Can Akıncı said that the incident deeply saddened them and that his friendship with Kundakçı was very beautiful. Kars 36 Spor won the match 2-0, which was watched by Kars Mayor Ötüken Senger and AK Party Provincial Chairman Muammer Sancar.