24.04.2026 03:11
Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak responded to the reactions regarding the phrase "Champion Cimbom" he used at Galatasaray's facility opening. Speaking to Şamil Tayyar, Bak stated that his words were distorted and said he used the phrase "Champion Cimbom" for the women's volleyball team that became European champions.
Minister of Youth and Sports Osman Aşkın Bak’s statements at Galatasaray’s facility opening ceremony caused widespread repercussions in the sports community. Minister Bak gave a clear explanation regarding the 'Champion Cimbom' remarks, which became a topic of debate especially on social media.
MINISTER BAK CLARIFIES THE 'CHAMPION CIMBOM' REMARKS
Speaking to former AK Party MP Şamil Tayyar, Minister Bak emphasized that his statements were taken out of context and misunderstood. Bak stated that in his speech at the opening ceremony he attended, he was generally celebrating the achievements of Turkish sports. Expressing that the 'Champion Cimbom' phrase, which was the focus of reactions, did not intend to take sides, Bak noted that his words were misinterpreted.
'I SAID IT FOR THE TEAM THAT BECAME EUROPEAN CHAMPION'
Putting an end to the controversies, Minister Bak stated that the expression in question was not directed at the club’s football branch but at the women's volleyball team that became European Champion on the international stage. Minister Bak said, “By referring to the success of the CEV Cup Champion Galatasaray Women's Volleyball Team, I said ‘Champion Cimbom.’ My statement definitely has nothing to do with the league; my words were distorted.”