Due to the lack of international recognition, Northern Cyprus is not a member of some international sporting bodies.
Some Northern Cyprus sport clubs participate in Turkey's sport leagues. For example: the Fast Break Sport Club, in Turkey's Men's Basketball Regional League; the Beşparmak Sport Club, in Turkey's Handball Premier League; and the Lefka European University, in Turkey's Table-tennis Super League. The international record for swimming 75 km between Turkey and Northern Cyprus belongs to Turkish national Alper Sunaçoğlu (completed in 26 hours and 15 minutes).[2]
In May 2015, the national basketball team played two friendly matches against Abkhazia, losing the first one by 59–76[3] and winning the second one by 59–47.[4] Both matches were played in Northern Cyprus.
Bodybuilding and Fitness: 2010: Yakup Çavuşgil became World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (WBFF) champion in the championship in Canada.
Darts
The team of Northern Cyprus Darts Federation became third in darts championship in Spain.[11]
EasyKart
EasyKart Federation of North Cyprus is a member of the International EasyKart Federation.[12] 2008: Zeka Özteknik became International Easykart champion in 125cc.[13]
In 1975, FIFA general-secretary Helmut Kaser granted permission for Cyprus Turkish Football Federation to play friendly internationals against FIFA countries, but not competitive games; this permission was abolished in 1983 when Northern Cyprus was declared.[14][15]
Northern Cyprus is among the countries listed by the FIFA Working Committee on Small Nations.[16][17]
Northern Cyprus is a member of Confederation of Independent Football Associations (ConIFA).[18]
In September 2014, Demetris Vasiliou became the first Greek Cypriot football player to sign for a team in the Northern Cypriot league. He plays for Değirmenlik (team of Kythrea).[19][20] Greek Cypriot nationalists labelled him a "traitor" and surrounded his home, preventing him from attending his first match with the team.[21][22] Vasiliou said he received death threats. He also lost his job as youth coach of Omonia Aradippou.[23]
