FERIZAJ, Kosovo – Türkiye captured the gold medal at the U17 Women’s Balkan Championship 2026, successfully defending their unbeaten record to finish at the top of the standings after five days of exciting volleyball in Ferizaj, Kosovo. Montenegro secured an outstanding silver medal, while Bulgaria completed the podium by claiming bronze.
Hosted by the Volleyball Federation of Kosovo under the auspices of the Balkan Volleyball Association (BVA), the championship gathered six national teams – Albania, Bulgaria, Kosovo, Moldova, Montenegro and Türkiye – competing in a single round-robin format at the Palestra “Bill Clinton” from 21 to 25 July.
Türkiye demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the tournament, producing commanding performances to remain undefeated and deservedly lift the Balkan trophy. Montenegro enjoyed a memorable campaign, earning the silver medal after a series of impressive victories, while Bulgaria finished in third place to take home the bronze medal.
Trophy to captain of Türkiye was awarded by Bahri Gjinovci, president of Kosova Volleyball Federation.
Following the conclusion of the championship, the best individual performers of the tournament were honoured during the closing ceremony:
Fair Play Award – Njola Babuni (Kosovo)
Presented by: Valon Nikqi – Secretary General, Kosova Volleyball Federation
🏅Best Libero – Magdalena Bogdanova (Bulgaria)
Presented by: Valon Xhafaj – Vice President, Kosova Volleyball Federation
🏅Best Middle Blocker – Nejla Guzonjic (Türkiye)
Presented by: Arbër Bytyqi – Director of Urbanism, Municipality of Ferizaj
🏅Best Outside Spiker – Elena Jovanovic (Montenegro)
Presented by: Nikola Kazić – President, Montenegro Volleyball Federation
🏅Best Opposite – Cagla Caglayandere (Türkiye)
Presented by: Nikola Kazić – President, Montenegro Volleyball Federation
🏅Best Setter – Nadja Pekovic (Montenegro)
Presented by: Filip Despotovski – BVA Supervisor
🌟Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Selis Ecrin Turkyasar (Türkiye)
Presented by: Bahri Gjinovci – President, Kosova Volleyball Federation
The individual awards reflected the high level of competition throughout the championship, with Türkiye, Montenegro and Bulgaria all represented among the tournament’s standout performers.
The U17 Women’s Balkan Championship once again highlighted the growing quality of volleyball across the region, providing young talents with valuable international experience and confirming the bright future of Balkan volleyball.
