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Rovshen Muhadov has left his position on the coaching staff of FC ‘Arkadag’
07.01.2026Rovshen Muhadov has left ‘Arkadag’ Football Club following the expiry of his contract, according to news website Turkmenportal. The specialist noted that the parting was amicable and respectful, with both sides thanking each other for their cooperation and wishing each other success in their future professional endeavours. Rovshen Muhadov also expressed his gratitude to the club's fans for their support and wished the team luck in upcoming matches. In September 2025, FC ‘Arkadag’ included R. Muhadov in its application for the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2 as head coach. At the same time, in accordance with AFC regulations, Vladimir Bayramov, who did not have a PRO licence, continued to actually manage the team, while Rovshen Muhadov formally held the position of head coach in the tournament. Under the leadership of the coaching staff, ‘Arkadag’ reached the AFC Champions League Round of 16 for the first time in its history, finishing second in Group B. The team won one game, drew four and lost one. In the round of 16, the Turkmen club will face Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’. The first match will take place on 11 February in Ashgabat, with the return leg scheduled for 18 February in Saudi Arabia.
A year of record victories in sport has strengthened Turkmenistan's position on the world stage
07.01.2026The Turkmenistan national team significantly strengthened its position in the international sporting and intellectual arena in 2025, winning 977 medals. This is 225 more awards than the previous year, reflecting the steady growth of the country's potential. The geography of participation has also expanded: in 2025, Turkmen athletes and students took part in 226 international competitions, compared to 190 in 2024. The medal tally included 304 gold, 287 silver and 386 bronze awards. These results were achieved thanks to consistent state policy in the fields of sport, science and education. At the end of the year, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov held an award ceremony for the winners and prize-winners of international Olympiads and competitions, noting the significance of their successes for the country's prestige and the role of young people's achievements in shaping its future. Addressing the participants of the ceremony, the Head of State emphasised the contribution of the younger generation to the development of Turkmenistan, expressed his gratitude to teachers and coaches for training the winners and confirmed the country's unwavering commitment to providing comprehensive support for science, education and sport. During the event, the President's decrees on awarding distinguished participants were announced. Schoolchildren and students who won prizes at international Olympiads received cash prizes ranging from 40,000 to 100,000 manats, and their mentors received 100,000 manats each. Athletes and coaches were also rewarded: prize-winners received cash payments, and winners of international tournaments received the keys to 2025 Toyota Camry HEV 2.5L cars. The size and form of the rewards were determined taking into account the level of the competitions, their international status and the number of participating countries. The development of sport continues to be one of the key areas of Turkmenistan's state policy. Comprehensive reforms are being implemented in the country, aimed at educating and physically training the younger generation as part of long-term target programmes and strategies. At the same time, the material and technical base of educational institutions is being modernised. In accordance with the socio-economic development programmes for 2022–2052 and 2022–2028, the construction of new schools and educational institutions equipped with modern computer technology, laboratory equipment, interactive and multimedia teaching aids is continuing. In the field of sport, the priorities remain the development of mass physical culture and high-performance sport. The state is investing in the construction of modern sports facilities and the training of specialised professionals. All velayats have sports and recreation complexes, equestrian centres, stadiums and specialised schools that meet current standards. Modern medical and diagnostic centres equipped with equipment from leading global manufacturers have been put into operation in Ashgabat and provincial centres. This has made it possible to create a sports and recreation infrastructure that meets international requirements. Along with high-performance sports, special attention is paid to the development of national sports. Turkmen athletes successfully represent the country at Asian and world championships, winning prizes and receiving state incentives for their achievements.
New plant species added to Turkmenistan's flora register
07.01.2026The global botanical community has officially recognised a new plant species discovered in the Lesser Balkan and Karakum Desert regions. The species in question is Astragalus rustamovii. The description of the species has been published in the annual journal ‘Novosti Sistematiki Vysshikh Rastenii’ by the V.L. Komarov Botanical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, according to IIC. The new species is the result of many years of research by Turkmen botanist and systematist Alexander Pavlenko and Professor Alexei Laktionov of Astrakhan State University. The plant is endemic and does not occur in nature outside Turkmenistan. The species is named after geobotanist Inklab Rustamov, a corresponding member of the Academy of Sciences of Turkmenistan. This unusual plant was first recorded in 2016 during field research. To confirm its independent species status, scientists studied herbarium collections from leading scientific centres in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tashkent, Berlin and Brno, including materials from the 19th century. Comparative analysis showed that Rustamov's astragalus differs in a number of stable morphological characteristics, including the ratio of leaf and flower stalk sizes, as well as the shape of the petals, which allows it to be distinguished from closely related species. The discovery confirms the high biological value of the foothills of the Lesser Balkan and Western Kopetdag. Rustamov's astragalus is included in the international flora register.
The new issue of ‘Arkadagly Ýaşlar’ is dedicated to the key events of December
06.01.2026The latest issue of the electronic magazine ‘Arkadagly Ýaşlar’, published by the Central Council of the Youth Organization of Turkmenistan named after Magtymguly, has been presented to readers. The issue focuses on key events in the country's social and political life in December 2025, reports TDH. The issue opens with an article entitled ‘Täze eser – ýaşlar üçin belent serpaý’ (A new work – a bright future for young people), dedicated to the release of a new book by the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, entitled ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygy – parahatçylygyň we ynanyşmagyň aýdyň ýoly’ (Neutrality of Turkmenistan – A Bright Way of Peace and Trust). The publication reveals its significance for young people and society as a whole. The issue also features materials on the International Forum for Peace and Trust, held in Ashgabat on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality, the Ashgabat Declaration and broad international support for the country's peace initiatives. A separate section of the magazine is devoted to gender equality issues. The article ‘Gender deňliginiň bähbidine halkara dialog’ (International dialogue on gender equality) tells about the International Conference held in the ‘Awaza’ National Tourist Zone and the topical issues discussed there. The pride of Turkmen youth in the motto of the coming year is reflected in the article ‘Bedew batly, at-myratly şanly ýyl’ (A Glorious year with Purposeful Winged Horses). The significance of the extended meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, as well as the meeting held at the Mekan Palace on the initiative of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, is revealed in the publication ‘Parahatçylyk – ýaşaýşyň tugy’ (Peace is the banner of life). The topic of neutrality is developed in the article ‘Türkmenistanyň hemişelik Bitaraplygynyň hukuk esaslary’ (The Legal Foundations of Turkmenistan's Permanent Neutrality), which is devoted to its legal basis. The issue also includes materials and speeches by young activists who have been awarded high state honours. The issue concludes with the article ‘Şanly ýylda parlan ýyldyz’ (A Star That Shone in a Glorious Year), which presents information about the winner of the 2025 ‘Ýylyň parlak ýyldyzy’ (‘The Star of the Year’) competition.
FC ‘Arkadag’ strengthened its attack ahead of matches against ‘Al-Nassr’
06.01.2026The ‘Arkadag’ football club has signed contracts with two forwards from the Turkmenistan national team. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The newcomers are 22-year-old Dayanch Meredov from ‘Kopetdag’ and 24-year-old Rahman Myratberdiyev from ‘Altyn Asyr’. The strengthening of the attack line is timed to coincide with the AFC Champions League 1/8 finals against Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’, where Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo plays. The first match will take place on 11 February, with the return leg on 18 February. Earlier, 25-year-old midfielder Meylis Diniyev, who previously played for ‘Kyrgyzaltyn’ and ‘Ahal’, joined FC ‘Arkadag’.
Turkmenistan accelerates development of digital economy
06.01.2026Turkmenistan is consistently implementing the transition to digital public administration, viewing e-Government as a key factor in modernisation and national development. This was reported by the IIC. As part of the ‘Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2026-2028,’ priority has been given to the digitisation of all sectors, based on the Interdepartmental Electronic Interaction System, which aims to increase the transparency and accessibility of public services. Based on international experience and in partnership with UNDP, the ‘X-Road’ platform has been implemented in the country, ensuring secure data exchange between agencies. The project contributes to the development of ‘smart cities’, the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the formation of a unified digital space. At the same time, Turkmenistan is investing in the training of IT personnel, viewing the development of professional competencies as a prerequisite for technological sovereignty and long-term stability.
Turkmenistan at the crossroads of global transport corridors
06.01.2026Turkmenistan is strengthening its status as a key initiator of global transport projects. This was reported by the IIC. To mark the 30th anniversary of the country's Permanent Neutrality, the UN General Assembly has declared 2026-2035 the Decade of Sustainable Transport, supporting the strategy of the President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov to transform the region into a major transcontinental transport hub. According to Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, the country's transport initiatives are linked to addressing global challenges, including expanding women's rights and combating climate change. Turkmenistan, located on the route of the revived Great Silk Road, is working with international partners to create an integrated logistics network connecting Central Asia with Europe, the Caspian and Baltic regions, as well as South and Southeast Asia. The UN Decade will be a benchmark for the global economy: by 2030, investment in transport will exceed $11 trillion, with a focus on environmental sustainability, safety and AI technologies. Turkmenistan is already hosting global conferences and promoting initiatives such as World Bicycle Day, forming the legal and technological basis for a ‘green’ and interconnected world.
Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China exceeded $9 billion in 11 months
06.01.2026Trade turnover between Turkmenistan and China for January–November of this year amounted to $9.1649 billion. This was reported by the publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’, citing China's General Administration of Customs. In November 2025, the volume of mutual trade reached $821.2 million. The bulk of the turnover was generated by exports from Turkmenistan. Over 11 months, deliveries of Turkmen products to China amounted to $7.7202 billion. Imports of Chinese goods to Turkmenistan during the same period reached $1.4448 billion. Natural gas supplied via the pipeline system remains the key export item.
Turkmenistan strengthens rational use of natural resources
05.01.2026Environmental safety is one of the key priorities of Turkmenistan's state policy. The country's legislation is aimed at protecting nature, preserving biodiversity and ensuring the rational use of natural resources, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmenistan has developed a National Strategy to Combat Climate Change and a National Forest Programme, and has adopted laws on radiation and chemical safety, water, plant, flora and fauna protection, waste, protected areas, environmental auditing and information, as well as updated Forest and Water Codes. These measures strengthen the legal and organisational framework for nature conservation and promote the rational use of resources. The country actively cooperates with the UN and other international organisations, implementing dozens of programmes and projects in partnership with the Global Environment Facility, FAO, the UN Development Programme and the Regional Environmental Centre for Central Asia. Public organisations, including the Nature Conservation Society of Turkmenistan, conduct educational work and support state policy in the field of ecology. The main goal of the policy is to preserve natural resources, prevent their degradation and pollution, ensure the environmental safety of people and meet the needs of future generations. Economic reforms create conditions for solving long-term environmental problems and improving the quality of life of the population.
Turkmenistan and China pool expertise in protecting desert routes
05.01.2026Turkmen and Chinese scientists have strengthened cooperation in the study of desert areas as part of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’. This was reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The National Institute of Deserts, Flora and Fauna of Turkmenistan and the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences are focusing on China's experience in protecting transport infrastructure in extreme climatic conditions. Particular attention is paid to the motorway through the Taklamakan Desert, which is over 560 km long and protected by an artificial forest belt covering an area of over 3,000 hectares. The ecosystem of 20 million drought-resistant plants prevents sand drift and is supported by electrified wells with mineralised water. The project is recognised by the international community and contributes to the restoration of biodiversity and the application of technologies for growing cistanche on saxaul. The similarity of desert conditions with the Karakum Desert makes the exchange of experience particularly useful for Turkmenistan, which sees cooperation as a contribution to the development of sustainable ecosystems and the creation of a UN Regional Centre for Climate Technology in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan's capital discusses motto for 2026
05.01.2026A solemn event dedicated to the motto of 2026, ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses,’ was held at the Centre for Public Organisations in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal with reference to the newspaper ‘Neutral Turkmenistan.’ It is noted that the image of the ‘winged horse’ symbolises the country’s striving for new achievements and is associated with the Year of the Horse in the Eastern calendar, as well as the special role of Ahal-Teke horses in national culture. Within the framework of the event, an exhibition of decorative and applied arts with samples of horse equipment and jewellery was held, emphasising the continuity of traditions and the country's modern development. Participants also highlighted the social orientation of state policy in the areas of improving living standards, science and education.
Turkmenistan enacts law on virtual assets
05.01.2026On 1 January 2026, the law ‘On Virtual Assets’ came into force in Turkmenistan, legalising the crypto market and establishing requirements for mining and trading digital assets. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. Regulation is entrusted to the Central Bank, which is responsible for licensing and operating rules. Financial transparency is monitored by the Ministry of Finance and Economy, while technical issues — internet stability and electricity consumption — are overseen by the relevant departments. Mining is recognised as a type of entrepreneurial activity: to operate legally, it is necessary to register with the regulator, comply with energy consumption standards and use certified equipment. Crypto assets have been granted the status of civil rights objects, but cannot be used instead of the manat in settlements. Citizens are only allowed to mine through individual entrepreneurs with mandatory income declaration, and the state is not liable for any losses. Foreign investors are provided with legal protection, access to licensed exchanges, and clear rules within the framework of FATF standards. The key provisions of the law prohibit illegal mining, require income to be declared, and open the market to foreign players, subject to compliance with data security and localisation requirements.
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