Sport
FIFA and FFT held a seminar in Turkmenistan on finding football talent
05.06.2025From 1 to 3 June, a specialised FIFA seminar on identifying football talent was held at the Kopetdag Stadium in Ashgabat. The event, organised by the Football Federation of Turkmenistan with the support of FIFA, brought together coaches of children's and youth teams from across the country. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The lead instructor was English expert Richard Allen, who has experience working with top European clubs, including ‘Tottenham Hotspur’ and ‘RB Leipzig’. Over the course of three days, he trained Turkmen specialists in modern methods of searching for and evaluating young footballers. The seminar was also attended by FIFA Technical Director for the region Gayoz Darsadze (Georgia) and head coach of the Turkmenistan national team Rovshen Meredov. The ‘FIFA Talent Identification Course’ programme aims to improve the qualifications of coaching staff and the system for training young players in the country.
Turkmenistan footballers prepare for qualifying match against Thailand
04.06.2025The Turkmenistan national football team has begun training ahead of their second qualifying round match against Thailand in the 2027 Asian Cup, which will take place on 10 June at the Ashgabat Stadium. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Thirty players have been called up for the squad, 23 of whom will make the final line-up. The extended list includes foreign-based players, such as Teymur Charyev from Belarusian club ‘Torpedo-BelAZ’ and Mikhail Titov from Kyrgyz club ‘Uzgen’. Training is taking place twice a day at the Nisa Stadium under the guidance of new head coach Rovshen Meredov. The training programme will end on 9 June and includes tactical and physical training. Both teams, Turkmenistan and Thailand, are at the top of Group D. In the first round, the Turkmenistan national team beat Chinese Taipei (2-1), while Thailand defeated Sri Lanka (1-0). The winners of the six groups will advance to the final stage of the tournament, which will be hosted by Saudi Arabia for the first time. Eighteen teams, including the host Saudi Arabia, have already secured their places in the final. The Asian Cup is held every four years. The current champion is Qatar, which won in 2019 and 2023.
Embassy of Turkmenistan organized a bicycle ride in Tbilisi in honor of World Bicycle Day
03.06.2025On 3 June, a festive bicycle ride organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan took place in Georgia. The event combined three significant occasions: World Bicycle Day (an initiative of Turkmenistan at the UN), the International Year of Peace and Trust, and the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's permanent neutrality. This was reported by the IIC. A column of cyclists, including representatives of the Georgian National Cycling Federation, professional athletes and coaches, rode through the picturesque streets of Tbilisi and the historic centre of ancient Mtskheta. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia, Dovletmyrat Seyitmamamedov, emphasised the special significance of this holiday in his speech. He recalled that World Bicycle Day, established on the initiative of Turkmenistan, has become an important tool for international cooperation through sport. The diplomat also spoke about Turkmenistan's large-scale programmes for the development of cycling. The event concluded with the presentation of commemorative gifts to the participants of the campaign, which once again demonstrated Turkmenistan's commitment to the principles of a healthy lifestyle and international cooperation.
Turkmenistan's embassies in Austria, Romania and Pakistan held mass bike rides
03.06.2025Turkmenistan's diplomatic missions organised a series of bicycle rallies in different countries around the world, highlighting the importance of the initiative that Turkmenistan proposed and successfully promoted at the UN. In the last days of May and early June, bicycle rallies were held simultaneously in several capitals. This was reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. In Vienna, Turkmen citizens temporarily residing in Austria rode through the picturesque Donauinsel Park. In Pakistan's Islamabad, a column of cyclists started from the square in front of the Presidential Palace, with special attention paid to young participants due to the coincidence of the event with the International Children's Day. In Bucharest, not only diplomats and students, but also representatives of local authorities and environmental organisations joined the action. At all events, it was emphasised that the establishment of World Bicycle Day at the initiative of Turkmenistan was an important contribution to the global sustainable development agenda. The initiative symbolises the desire for a healthy lifestyle, environmental responsibility and international unity. Participants noted that such events not only promote the bicycle as an environmentally friendly mode of transport, but also strengthen friendly ties between peoples.
Turkmenistan held a bicycle rally in Kazan in honour of World Bicycle Day
03.06.2025The Consulate General of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation organised a bicycle race through picturesque places of Kazan, dedicated to World Bicycle Day - an initiative put forward by Turkmenistan at the UN. This is reported by IIC. The participants overcame the route from the extreme park ‘Uram’ to the Kazan Kremlin along the picturesque embankment of the Kazanka River. Consulate staff and Turkmen students studying in Kazan universities took an active part in the action. At the opening ceremony, the head of the Turkmen diplomatic mission emphasised the special symbolism of the event in the context of the International Year of Peace and Trust. It was noted that the bicycle as an environmentally friendly mode of transport unites people, promoting mutual understanding between peoples. In his speech, special emphasis was placed on the role of sports diplomacy in the foreign policy strategy of Turkmenistan. The organisers noted that such events contribute to the development of important qualities in the young generation - determination, self-confidence and commitment to a healthy lifestyle. This is fully in line with the policy of Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov in the field of youth and sports diplomacy.
Embassy of Turkmenistan in Georgia organized a football tournament
03.06.2025A football tournament organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan with the participation of leading Georgian sports clubs was held in Georgia from 27 May to 2 June this year. The event was part of the celebration of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust. This was reported by the IIC. In his opening speech, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Turkmenistan to Georgia D. Seyitmammedov emphasised the importance of sport as an instrument of international cooperation. He noted that the tournament reflects Turkmenistan's commitment to a healthy lifestyle and the development of sports diplomacy. Special attention was paid to the Memorandum of Understanding between the sports departments of Turkmenistan and Georgia. This document, signed during the meeting between President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze, laid the foundation for bilateral cooperation in the sports sphere. The tournament was attended by teams of Georgian clubs ‘Sportuni’ (Georgian University of Sport), as well as the legendary football club ‘Kartli’, which has brought up many famous athletes. During seven days young footballers demonstrated a bright emotional game, combining sportsmanship with the spirit of healthy competition. At the end of the tournament, all participants were awarded with commemorative certificates. The tournament confirmed Turkmenistan's role as an active participant in the international sports dialogue and demonstrated the effectiveness of sports diplomacy in strengthening interstate relations.
Turkmenistan celebrated World Bicycle Day with international bicycle rides
02.06.2025On 1 June 2025, a mass bicycle race along the picturesque embankments of the Moskva River along the Kremlin Wall took place in Moscow. The event was attended by the staff of the Embassy of Turkmenistan together with students from Turkmenistan and other CIS countries studying at Russian universities. The column of cyclists demonstrated commitment to a healthy lifestyle and became a symbol of international cooperation. This is reported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. In Dubai, employees of the Consulate General of Turkmenistan, members of their families and representatives of the Turkmen diaspora joined the action. These events clearly demonstrated the global scale of Turkmenistan's initiative and the unity of the Turkmen people abroad. The international bicycle rides once again confirmed the important role of Turkmenistan in promoting healthy lifestyles and environmentally friendly transport on the world stage. The actions received a wide public response, emphasising the importance of the initiative put forward by the country to establish World Bicycle Day.
FC ‘Arkadag’ confidently maintains leadership in championship of Turkmenistan
01.06.2025Following the results of the 12th round of the Turkmenistan Premier League football championship, ‘Arkadag’ strengthened its lead, increasing its gap from its closest rival, ‘Ahal’, to five points. This was reported by the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The reigning two-time national champions confidently defeated ‘Merv’ 2-0 away from home. Goals from Didar Durdyev in the 6th minute and Altymurat Annadurdyev in the 78th minute secured the victory for the team. After this match, both strikers topped the list of the tournament's top scorers with seven goals each. ‘Ahal’, meanwhile, failed to hold on to their lead in their home match against Turkmenbashi's ‘Shagadam’. Leading 1-0 after a goal by Gurbanmuhamet Esenov in the 39th minute, the hosts conceded an equaliser in the 51st minute, scored by Ihlas Magtymov. The final score was 1-1. At the end of the 12th round, ‘Arkadag’ had 30 points from 10 matches, while ‘Ahal’ had 25 points from 12 matches. ‘Altyn Asyr’ and ‘Shagadam’ shared third place with 22 points, having played 11 and 13 matches respectively. The final matches of the round will see ‘Kopetdag’ face ‘Altyn Asyr’ and ‘Nebitchi’ take on Ashgabat.
The first large-scale marathon in honor of Europe Day was held in the capital of Turkmenistan
01.06.2025On 31 May 2025, the ‘Marathon of Peace and Trust’ took place in the capital of Turkmenistan, organised by the EU Delegation in cooperation with the State Committee for physical culture and sport of Turkmenistan, the public movement ‘Run-Rush’ and the Ashgabat City Administration. The event was timed to coincide with the celebration of Europe Day. This was reported by IIC. A total of 517 people took part in the race. Athletes covered distances of 2, 5 and 10 km along a route around Independence Park. Refreshment and medical stations were set up for marathon participants. The races started at 7:30 a.m. Ashgabat time, and the award ceremony took place at 9:30 a.m. The winners received commemorative prizes and gifts. The organisers noted the successful holding of the first marathon in Turkmenistan dedicated to Europe Day. The event aims to promote a healthy lifestyle and strengthen international cooperation. There are plans to make the marathon an annual event.
Young footballers from Turkmenistan won bronze at CAFA-2025 championship
31.05.2025The Central Asian Football Association (CAFA-2025) Under-17 Championship has been successfully completed in Tashkent, where the national team of Turkmenistan achieved significant success, becoming the bronze medallist of the competition. This is reported by IIC. In a tense struggle for bronze medals, the wards of head coach Ahmet Allaberdiyev met with peers from Kyrgyzstan. The main time of the match did not reveal the winner - the teams finished the main time with the score 0:0. In the penalty shootout, the Turkmen players showed coolness and accuracy, winning 7:6. Goalkeeper Azim Abayev demonstrated a brilliant game and was recognised as the best player of this important match. This success of the Turkmen national team became an important stage in the development of youth football in Turkmenistan and showed the prospects of young players in the international arena.
The Turkmenistan U23 national team has learnt their opponents in qualification of the Asia-2026 Cup
30.05.2025The opponents of the Turkmenistan U23 team in the qualifying stage of the Asian Cup-2026 have become known. According to the results of the draw in Kuala Lumpur, the Turkmen national team got into Group ‘A’ together with the national teams of Jordan, Taiwan and Bhutan, as the news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’ reports. According to the source, the Turkmen players will start the tournament on 3 September with a match against the national team of Taiwan, play against the national team of Bhutan on 6 September and finish the group stage with a meeting with Jordan on 9 September. A total of 44 national teams are participating in the qualification, distributed by ranking into five baskets. Turkmenistan found itself in the second basket thanks to its quarter-final appearance in the Asia Cup-2022. According to the results of the qualifying round, the winners of the groups and the four best teams among the second-placed teams will advance to the final part of the tournament, which will be held for the first time in Saudi Arabia from 7 to 25 January 2026.
‘Arkadag’ defeated ‘Altyn Asyr’ and moved to the top of the championship of Turkmenistan
29.05.2025Arkadag Football Club secured a confident victory over Altyn Asyr (3:0) in the postponed match of the third round of the Turkmenistan Championship. All goals were scored in the first half: Arzuvguly Sapargulyyev (9th minute), Yazklych Kurbanov (20th) and Begench Akmamedov (30th) distinguished themselves. This was reported by the online news resource TerraNews. Thanks to this success, Arkadag moved into first place in the table with 27 points, ahead of Ahal by 2 points and Altyn Asyr by 5, with two games in hand. Three Arkadag players lead the scoring race: Altymurat Annadurdyyev, Begench Akmamedov and Didar Durdyyev (6 goals each). Ihlas Saparmamedov and Meylis Diniyev are one goal behind, while Abdyresul Abdyyev and Zafar Babajanov have scored 4 goals each.
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