It was with great sorrow that European Athletics heard the news about the devastating earthquake which hit Türkiye and Syria yesterday (6 February).
On behalf of the European Athletics Council and the whole athletics community, we would like to express our deepest condolences, sympathy and support for all affected people in these hard times.
European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov, has already sent a letter yesterday to the President of the Turkish Athletic Federation Fatih Cintimar with this same message.
We understand that people will have questions regarding the Istanbul 2023 European Athletics Indoor Championships, which is due to take place at the Ataköy Arena on 2-5 March.
At this moment, all the preparations for the event are going as planned. We are coordinating with the Turkish Athletic Federation, the Istanbul 2023 Local Organising Committee and the relevant authorities, and will provide all assistance and support as and when needed.
We are monitoring the situation and will provide further updates if anything changes.
However, first and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone affected by yesterday’s tragic events.