The Turkish have now taken three medals at European Championships this year, taking bronze medals at both the women's senior EuroBasket in France and the women's under-20's European Championships on home turf in Samsun, as well as a commendable run to the quarter-finals of the men's under-20 European Championships in Estonia.

And Turkish Basketball Federation (TBF) President Turgay Demirel believes that the gold medal and the recent development seen across the board has been achieved thanks in large part to the success of the national federation's strategic plan, implemented in 2012.

"It was a great day for Turkish basketball," Demirel said.

"This historic win is a testament to our strategic and determined efforts to build Turkish basketball from the ground up.

"Our ambition is to become one of the strongest men's and women's basketball nations in the world.

"This win in Riga, alongside the results is Samsun and Tallinn, has shown that Turkish basketball has a very bright future."

The men's under-18's European title adds to the recent bronze medal won by Turkey's women's senior team at the EuroBasket in France


There are further chances for Turkey to take more international silverware this year with the women's under-18's European Championship, the men's under-16's European Championship Men and the women's under-16 European Championship, which are all due to take place next month.

Turkey's men's senior side are currently ranked as the world's seventh best side, which they will hope to improve at next year's International Basketball Federation (FIBA) World Championships in Spain next summer, whilst the women's squad currently occupy 13th spot surging up eight places after finishing fifth at London 2012.

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