Annual Mustafa V. Koç Sports Awards presented for the ninth time

Inspired by the ideals of Mustafa V. Koç–who passionately believed in the unifying and transformative power of sports and viewed sports as an integral part of personal and social development–the Mustafa V. Koç Sports Award, whose designated enduring theme is “for contributions to Olympic values”, was presented for the ninth time, this year in cooperation with the Turkish Olympic Committee (TOC). Hosted at Divan Kuruçeşme, the event brought together members of the Koç family, senior leadership from Koç Holding and the Koç Group, TOC officials, and other distinguished guests. In addition to the awards presented in the Olympic and Paralympic categories, a new “Lifetime Contribution to Sports Award” category titled was introduced for the first time this year. Selected from a pool of 85 candidates, the awards were presented to national fencer Dr Enver Yıldırım in the Olympic category and to national table tennis player Abdullah Öztürk in the Paralympic category. Legendary wrestler and Olympic Champion Ahmet Ayık was honored with the Lifetime Contribution to Sports Award.

“Sport is not just about competition. It is a universal language that brings people together and invites us to understand our differences.”

Speaking at the award ceremony, Koç Holding Director and Chair of the Mustafa V. Koç Sports Award Jury Caroline N. Koç highlighted Mustafa V. Koç’s passion for sports and his values, saying “Mustafa saw sport as a journey of self-transcendence. It fills us with pride to remember him today through the values he always championed–friendship, excellence, and respect–which lie at the very heart of the Olympic spirit. We live in a world today where conflict and polarization are on the rise. In times like these, we need–more than ever–to set aside our differences, to come together, and to understand one another. That is why we must hold fast to the values that sports represent. For sport is not just about competition. It is a universal language that brings people together and invites us to understand our differences.”

Noting that a new category had been added this year to the awards presented annually to Olympic and Paralympic athletes, Caroline N. Koç continued saying, “With the MVK Lifetime Contribution to Sports Award, we will honor individuals who have contributed to sports in various fields throughout their lives and inspired future generations. For we believe that the power of sport is measured not only by achievements, but by dedication. We have also decided that the award’s monetary prize should be channeled into the development of young athletes via a special fund created under the Vehbi Koç Foundation, with donations being made to it in the award recipients’ names.”

For contributions to Olympic values

Organized in cooperation with the Turkish Olympic Committee under the designated enduring theme of “For Contributions to Olympic Values” and now in its ninth year, the Mustafa V. Koç Sports Award seeks to recognize exemplary and pioneering individuals and institutions which contribute to the growth and development of Turkish sports and which champion the values of friendship, excellence, and respect. Speaking to the assembled guests, winner in the 2025 Mustafa V. Koç Sports Award’s Olympic category national fencer Dr Enver Yıldırım said that participating in one of Turkey’s most prestigious award ceremonies was the realization of a long-held dream. Paralympic category winner national table tennis player Abdullah Öztürk began his remarks by recalling the memory of Mustafa V. Koç with loving respect, saying that Mustafa always championed sport and athletes and that it was a great honor to be present at am evening organized in his name. National wrestler Ahmet Ayık, recipient of the inaugural Lifetime Contribution to Sports Award, said that for him, the award signified the heartfelt recognition of a lifetime dedicated to sports in this country.