World Archery President Prof Dr Erdener presented Olympic Order
World Archery President Prof Dr Ugur Erdener has been presented with the Olympic Order for exceptional contributions to the Olympic Movement.
He received the award during the 144th IOC Session in Olympia from International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach, who called Prof Dr Erdener, “a scholar, a bridge-builder, a gentleman” in a speech detailing his wide-ranging impact on international sport.
“A great personality who has exemplified visionary leadership, unwavering dedication and a life-long commitment to the values of sport,” the IOC President added.
“Throughout your long Olympic journey, you have been a bridge-builder in the truest sense, connecting worlds that often remain apart. You have united science and sport, ensuring that medical advancements server the well-building of athletes. You have breached diplomacy and governance, navigating complex negotiations with skills and aplomb.”
“You have linked tradition and innovation, honouring the roots of a sport while driving forward modern reforms to shape its future.”
“The archery competitions at the Olympic Games Paris 2024, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Les Invalides, were a resounding success, demonstrating the great appeal of archery as a truly global sport.”
Prof Dr Erdener was elected to the presidency of World Archery in 2005. He was made an IOC Member in 2008 and served on that body’s executive board from 2014 to 2020, the last four years of those as a vice president, before being made an honorary member this year.
He was also president of the Turkish Olympic Committee from 2011 to 2025, has held many international roles in the fields of sports science and anti-doping, and is currently president of SportAccord.
“We are exceptionally proud of our president and what he has done for archery and the Olympic Movement,” said World Archery secretary general Tom Dielen.
“The International Olympic Committee has acknowledged that contribution and highlighted the success of the archery competitions in Paris to show the now-global impact of our sport. Our president’s work will continue until World Archery Congress in September, when we will also be in a position to honour his legacy.”
Prof Dr Erdener’s fifth and final term as World Archery president will conclude later this year.
