Konya Honors Ahmet Çalık with New Sports Complex

Konya’s Selçuklu district has opened a modern indoor sports hall and artificial turf field at Konya Sports High School, named in memory of late Turkish footballer Ahmet Çalık.

The opening ceremony was attended by Konya Governor İbrahim Akın, Konya Metropolitan Mayor Uğur İbrahim Altay, Çalık’s brother Fatih Emir Çalık, cousin Bülent Eskioğlu, the provincial director of education Murat Yiğit, school administrators, teachers and students.

The inauguration ceremony highlighted both Çalık’s athletic achievements and his enduring legacy as a role model for young athletes.

The facility, covering nearly 10,000 square meters, includes a handball-sized arena with seating for 176 spectators, training areas, changing rooms, and social spaces. The adjacent 24-by-44-meter turf field offers additional opportunities for athletes. The total investment amounted to TL 96.36 million ($2.3 million).

Selçuklu Mayor Ahmet Pekyatırmacı said the project is a proud contribution to sports and a meaningful way to honor Çalık’s legacy. “Ahmet Çalık won our hearts with his humility, diligence, and sportsmanship,” he noted.

Ahmet Çalık passed away in a car accident on Jan. 11, 2022. The new complex stands as a lasting tribute to his memory and inspiration for young athletes.