Erzurum Technical University (ETU) is hosting the 9th International Congress of Exercise
and Sport Psychology, organized in collaboration with the Exercise and Sport Psychology
Association.
The congress, held under the theme “Neuropsychology of Sport and Performance,” was
attended at its opening ceremony by ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bulent Çakmak and vice rectors, as
well as Yakutiye Mayor Dr. Mahmut Uçar, Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Levent
Çakmur, Vice Rector of Atatürk University Prof. Dr. Hasan Yılmaz, Dean of the Faculty of
Sports Sciences Prof. Dr. Serhat Özbay, Director of Youth and Sports Services Erdoğan
Dönmez, Provincial Culture Director Ahmet Yer, along with numerous academicians,
researchers, and students.
Rector Çakmak: ETU’s Success in Sports Is a Strong Indicator of Its Commitment to
Sports Culture and Academic Expertise in Sports Sciences
Speaking at the opening held in the Faculty of Science Conference Hall, Rector Prof. Dr.
Bulent Çakmak expressed great pleasure in hosting such an important scientific event at ETU,
emphasizing that Erzurum has become a strong center for national and international
organizations in the field of sports sciences. Çakmak noted that previous international sports
sciences congresses have revealed the city’s scientific infrastructure and potential, and
stressed that maintaining the sustainability of such events requires great effort and dedication.
Çakmak stated that the university has achieved significant success both academically and in
sports. He referred to the 2024–2025 season of the Universities League organized by the
Turkish University Sports Federation, highlighting that ETU ranked as the Turkish champion
among 182 universities by winning a total of 76 medals: 35 gold, 17 silver, and 24 bronze. He
emphasized that this achievement reflects the university’s strong commitment to sports culture
and its academic expertise in the field of sports sciences. Çakmak added that sports sciences
and academic production are two mutually reinforcing fields, and that scientific events such
as this congress contribute to the sustainability of these successes.
Congress President Prof. Dr. Sevinç Namlı highlighted that sport is not limited to physical
performance alone, and that mental processes and psychological resilience are also decisive
for performance. Namlı stated that the congress brings together scientists from different
universities and countries, enhancing knowledge sharing and making significant contributions
to the field of sports psychology.
Congress Secretary Assoc. Prof. Dr. Deniz Bedir noted that the selection of the congress
theme as “Neuropsychology of Sport and Performance” is directly related to recent
developments in neuroscience and technology. Bedir emphasized that athlete performance is
now evaluated not only in terms of physical ability but also in cognitive and emotional
dimensions, representing a new perspective in sports sciences.
Over the two-day congress, a total of 81 scientific studies will be presented, including 49 oral
presentations, 2 posters, and 30 online submissions.
Directorate of Corporate Communications and Public Relations 3 April, 2026