Erzurum Technical University (ETU), in collaboration with the Exercise and Sport
Psychology Association, is hosting the 9th International Congress of Exercise and Sport
Psychology.
The opening program of the congress, held under the theme “Neuropsychology of Sport and
Performance,” was attended by ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Çakmak and vice rectors, as well
as Yakutiye Mayor Dr. Mahmut Uçar, Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Levent
Çakmur, Atatürk University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Yılmaz, Dean of the Faculty of Sport
Sciences Prof. Dr. Serhat Özbay, Director of Youth and Sports Services Erdoğan Donmez,
Provincial Director of Culture Ahmet Yer, along with many academics, researchers, and
students.
Rector Cakmak: ETU’s Success in Sports is a Strong Indicator of Its Emphasis on
Sports Culture and Academic Expertise in Sport Sciences
In his opening speech at the conference held in the Faculty of Science Conference Hall,
Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Cakmak expressed his great pleasure in hosting such an important
scientific event. He emphasized that Erzurum is a strong center that hosts significant national
and international organizations in the field of sport sciences. Çakmak noted that previous
international sport science congresses have demonstrated the city’s scientific infrastructure
and potential, and highlighted that sustaining such events requires great effort and dedication.
Stating that the university has achieved significant success both academically and athletically,
Çakmak also mentioned the success in the Universities League organized by the Turkish
University Sports Federation in the 2024–2025 season. He recalled that ETU became the
champion among 182 universities by winning a total of 76 medals (35 gold, 17 silver, and 24
bronze). He stated that this success is a strong indicator of the university’s emphasis on sports
culture and its academic strength in the field of sport sciences. Çakmak emphasized that sport
sciences and academic production are two important areas that support each other, and that
such scientific events contribute to the sustainability of these achievements.
Congress President Prof. Dr. Sevinc Namlı emphasized that sport is not limited to physical
performance alone, and that mental processes and psychological resilience also play a
decisive role in performance. She stated that the congress brings together scientists from
different universities and countries, strengthens knowledge sharing, and will make significant
contributions to the field of sport psychology.
Congress Secretary Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz Bedir stated in his speech that the main theme of
the congress, “Neuropsychology of Sport and Performance,” is directly related to recent
developments in neuroscience and technology. He noted that athlete performance is now
evaluated not only physically but also through cognitive and emotional dimensions, and that
this approach introduces a new perspective in sport sciences.
During the two-day congress, a total of 81 scientific studies will be presented, including 49
oral presentations, 2 posters, and 30 online papers.

Corporate Communications and Promotion Directorate – 03.04.2026