Sport
Turkmen boxers to hold training camp in Kazakhstan
28.02.2026The Turkmenistan youth boxing team (U19) has begun intensive preparations for the international season. From 8 to 15 March, the team will hold training camps in Almaty at the ‘Zhanasar’ centre, where they will train jointly with their peers from the Kazakhstan national team, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. This stage of preparation is aimed at successful performance at the World Cup in Bangkok. During the training camp, special attention will be paid to the exchange of experience between coaches. The coaches of the Turkmen national team, together with their Kazakh colleagues, will discuss modern training methods, which will contribute to the growth of the coaching staff's professionalism and improve the technical and tactical level of young boxers. The World Cup in Thailand is a qualifying tournament for the Summer Youth Olympic Games, which will take place in November 2026 in Dakar (Senegal). Training at one of the world's leading boxing centres is aimed at ensuring that Turkmen athletes are as ready as possible to compete for Olympic tickets.
Young tennis player from Turkmenistan becomes ITF Asia champion
23.02.2026The ITF Asia 14&U Development Championships, the Western and Central Asia tennis championship, took place in the capital of Bahrain. Turkmenistan was represented at the tournament by young athletes Nazli Hudaykuliyeva and Sulgun Ishankuliyeva, according to IIC. The competition lasted two weeks and served as a qualifying stage for this year's Asian Championship finals. The winners earned the right to compete in the main continental tournament. Nazli Hudaykuliyeva, trained by Meylis Orazmuhammedov and Yuri Rogussky, won two gold medals in the singles. In the doubles competition, she and Sulgun Ishankuliyeva (‘Jahan’ Creativity Centre, coaches Jennet Hallyeva and Yuri Rogussky) won four gold medals. As a result of the tournament, N. Hudaykuliyeva became the absolute champion of the two-week cycle and secured her place in the final of the Asian Championship. Currently, the 13-year-old athlete ranks 9th in the Asian rankings. The tennis player intends to represent Turkmenistan in the junior Grand Slam tournaments — the Wimbledon Championships and the Australian Open — in the under-14 age category.
Turkmen hockey players advance to the semi-finals of the U18 World Junior Championship
19.02.2026Turkmen hockey players have advanced to the semi-finals of the 27th U18 World Junior Championship in Division III Group B, which is being held in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina). The decision on the team's advancement was made based on the results of the final games of the group stage, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Earlier, the semi-finalists were determined ahead of schedule in groups A and B – the national teams of Iceland and Thailand. Four teams competed for the remaining two spots: Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Africa, Turkmenistan and Luxembourg. In the final round, South Africa beat Luxembourg 7-3, which secured the latter's last place in Group B and allowed the Turkmen team to advance to the semi-finals, taking second place. Thus, the semifinals will feature Thailand vs. Turkmenistan and Iceland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina. The winners will play for a spot in Division III Group A, while the losers will determine the bronze medalist. The U18 Championship, held under the auspices of the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) in Group B Division III, is the seventh strongest tournament among the six teams with the lowest rankings.
Athlete from Turkmenistan wins bronze at ‘Karate 1 – Youth League’ tournament
16.02.2026From 12 to 15 February, Fujairah (UAE) hosted the ‘Karate 1 – Youth League’ tournament. Turkmenistan is represented by 15 karatekas, according to the news website Asmannews. A total of 2,231 athletes from 93 countries are participating in the competition. In the weight category up to 55 kg among juniors aged 16-17, Turkmen athlete Gurbannazar Amandurdyev won the bronze medal in kumite. He is a student in the 11th grade at specialised school No. 16 with in-depth study of foreign languages in the Ak Bugday etrap of the Ahal velayat. His coach is A. Charyev.
Turkmen hockey players win their first match at the World Junior Championship
15.02.2026The Turkmenistan national under-18 ice hockey team defeated South Africa 4-3 in the first round of the World Junior Championship Division III Group B in Sarajevo (Bosnia and Herzegovina). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The match was tense: after opening the scoring in the 10th minute, Dayanch Batyrov responded with a goal in the final stage, securing victory for his team. South Africa equalised and caught up due to Duvan van der Merwe and Joshua Anker, but accurate shots from Rovshen Archayev and Hezretali Mammedov allowed Turkmenistan to maintain its advantage. In the next round, the Turkmen hockey team will face Iceland, who defeated Luxembourg 12-1 in their opening match. In addition, Thailand defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 12-3.
Turkmen karateka wins international tournament in Dubai
15.02.2026Turkmen karateka Jora Ovezmyradov won the ‘Dubai International Doka Cup 2026’ tournament, held on 7–8 February in Dubai (UAE). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. He won gold in the kumite discipline in the 55 kg category. D. Ovezmyradov is a 12th grade student at Specialised School No. 52 in Ashgabat and is trained by A. Charyev. The competition brought together 697 participants from 18 countries, and the Turkmen team brought home one gold medal.
Turkmen tennis players won two gold medals at the tournament in Manama
14.02.2026Turkmen tennis players won two gold medals at the first Western and Central Asia Junior Championships for players under 14, which concluded in Manama (Bahrain). This was reported by the state news agency ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Representatives from 13 countries participated in the ITF Asia 14&U Development Championships (West & Central Asia). Turkmenistan was represented by four athletes. In the singles competition, 12-year-old Nazli Hudaykuliyeva from Ashgabat School No. 87 won the title. In the final, she defeated Jordan's Ayasofia Gokashau in three sets, 0-6, 6-1, 6-3. In the doubles, Nazli Hudaykuliyeva and 12-year-old Sulgun Ishankuliyeva won the final against athletes from Lebanon 6:3, 7:5. Earlier, both tennis players successfully competed in the international category ‘A’ tournament in Isa Town (Bahrain). At that time, Sulgun Ishankuliyeva and Jordanian A. Gokashau won silver in doubles, while Nazli Hudaykuliyeva was among the top four in singles. Nazli trains under the guidance of Meylis Orazmuhammedov and Yuri Rogussky. Sulgun is a student of ‘Jahan’ Creativity Center and trains with distinguished coach Jennet Hallyeva, and in the national team under the guidance of Yuri Rogussky. The results of the second tournament of the West and Central Asia Championship for juniors under 14 will be announced in the coming days.
The coach of Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’ praised the hospitality of Turkmenistan
13.02.2026After the match against Turkmenistan's ‘Arkadag’ (1-0 in favour of the Saudi team), ‘Al-Nassr’ Head Coach Jorge Jesus praised Turkmenistan's hospitality and the high quality of the Olympic Stadium, which seats 45,000 spectators and is the largest in Central Asia. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. ‘I would like to thank all the participants and fans. You have a wonderful country, friendly people and a magnificent stadium with excellent conditions for football. I am glad that the match went well for us,’ said Jesus. When asked about the team's chances of winning the AFC Champions League 2, the Portuguese coach emphasised: ‘Every match is important to us. ‘Al-Nassr’s goal is to win the tournament, but qualification for the next round is not yet guaranteed. There is a return match in Riyadh, we respect our opponents and are preparing thoroughly.’ Journalists were also interested in whether the second team or the star players would play in the return match. ‘I can't guarantee anything in advance. First, we have another Saudi Arabian league match against ‘Al-Fateh’ on 14 February,’ the coach explained. Abdullah Al-Hamdan, who scored the only goal and was named MVP of the match, shared his impressions: ‘Thank you for the warm welcome in Turkmenistan. The game was difficult, but the main thing is the victory. ‘Arkadag’ is a strong team, and we have another match in Riyadh ahead of us. I hope it will also end successfully’. The return match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ will take place on 18 February in Riyadh.
Football in Turkmenistan: Historical Dynamics, Institutional Development, and Contemporary International Development Vectors
13.02.2026Football in Turkmenistan represents not only a popular sport but also a significant socio-cultural phenomenon that reflects the processes of institutional state-building, international integration, and the strategic development of the humanitarian sphere. The history of national football is closely linked to the historical transformations of the 20th and 21st centuries — from the Soviet sports legacy to the contemporary model of independent sports policy. The establishment of football traditions in the territory of present-day Turkmenistan began in the 1920s. By 1927, the Ashgabat team was formed and played an international match against a team from Mashhad, demonstrating the early inclusion of the region in cross-border sports contacts. In 1928, the Turkmenistan national team participated in the All-Union Spartakiad in Moscow, achieving commendable results in competitions with teams from other Soviet regions. During the 1930s, football actively developed within the framework of the Soviet physical culture system. A particularly important role during this period was played by the Ashgabat club ‘Kolhozchy’, later known as ‘Kopetdag’, which represented the Turkmen SSR in Soviet championships. The team’s performances in the second league of the USSR Championship from the 1960s to the 1980s contributed to the development of professional personnel, a coaching school, and a stable sports infrastructure. By the time of independence in 1991, the country already possessed a well-developed foundation for the further autonomous advancement of football. Following the proclamation of Turkmenistan’s independence, the formation of a national football structure began. In 1992, the Football Federation of Turkmenistan (FFT) was established, tasked with managing national competitions, developing club football, and preparing national teams. In 1993, the Federation joined the subregional organization CAFA, and in 1994, it became a full member of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), officially integrating Turkmenistan into the international football community. Based on the FFT, regular competitions were systematized, forming the foundation of club football in the country. In 1992, the first season of the Ýokary Liga (Top League) was launched, including the leading clubs of the country, providing regular match practice and fostering a sustainable competitive environment. In 1993, the Turkmenistan Cup was established, creating additional opportunities for players to demonstrate their skills and for young talents to emerge. Gradually, regional, youth, and junior championships were introduced, creating a prepared coaching and refereeing infrastructure and ensuring the institutional maturity of national football. On the international stage, the Turkmenistan national team began competing following the FFT’s registration with FIFA. In 2004, the team participated for the first time in the final stage of the AFC Asian Cup, marking an important milestone in the national team’s history. Participation in international tournaments facilitated the accumulation of experience and the strengthening of the country’s sporting image. At various times, the team demonstrated positive trends in the FIFA rankings, confirming its potential for further growth. In 2025, the U-17 team defeated Afghanistan in the CAFA Championship, demonstrating the strengthening of youth football. Club football in Turkmenistan, over more than three decades of independence, has undergone stages of consolidation and structural stabilization. In the 1990s, leading positions were held by ‘Kopetdag’ and ‘Nisa’, while in the 2010s, ‘Altyn Asyr’ dominated, winning the national championship eight consecutive times from 2014 to 2021. In 2018, ‘Altyn Asyr’ reached the final of the AFC Cup, marking a significant achievement for Turkmen club football on the international stage. In recent years, noticeable progress has been demonstrated by the clubs ‘Ahal’ and ‘Arkadag’. The football club ‘Arkadag’, founded in 2023, quickly became a symbol of national football development. In its debut season, the team won the Turkmenistan championship, and in 2025, it secured the title for the third consecutive time, completing the season undefeated: 28 matches, 84 points, 105 goals scored, and only 15 conceded. These results reflect the club’s high level of organization and strategic approach to management. Turkmen clubs actively participate in international AFC tournaments, providing new opportunities to enhance skills and gain international recognition. For example, ‘Altyn Asyr’s achievements in IFFHS rankings highlight the accomplishments of Turkmen football on the global stage. The President of Turkmenistan, Serdar Berdimuhamedov, and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, emphasize the priority of sports and football for national development. State initiatives encompass all aspects of football improvement: youth training, coach and referee education, organization of national leagues and championships, and the integration of Turkmen clubs into Asian and global competitions. Modern sports infrastructure in Turkmenistan, including the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat with a capacity of 45,000 spectators, ‘Kopetdag’ Stadium, contemporary sports complexes and training bases, as well as a new modern sports arena in Arkadag city, ensures systematic athlete preparation and the hosting of international competitions, strengthening Turkmenistan’s status as a center for sports tourism and international dialogue. Football development programs include youth tournaments, international seminars for coaches and referees, and experience exchange with representatives of FIFA and the AFC. Training young players and improving coach qualifications remain priorities: ‘D’ license certification programs enable work with children’s teams, and Turkmen youth national teams actively participate in CAFA regional tournaments. In 2025, a new head coach, Rovshen Meredov, with a PRO license, was appointed to the national team, reflecting the federation’s commitment to improving team performance internationally. FIFA experts visiting Turkmenistan noted the activity of the Football Federation and the potential for further development, emphasizing the importance of the ‘Football in Schools’ program for promoting the sport among youth. The key event in the modern history of Turkmen football was the AFC Champions League 2 Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ and the Saudi Arabian club ‘Al-Nassr’, which took place on February 11, 2026, in Ashgabat. Despite the Turkmen team's narrow 0-1 defeat, the match demonstrated the institutional maturity of national football and its readiness to host international competitions. The return match is planned for 18 February 2026 in Riyadh at Al-Awwal Park, where the hosts will have an advantage due to the result of the first encounter. This second match will be significant not only for qualifying to the quarterfinals but also for assessing the competitiveness of the Turkmen club at the international level. Football in Turkmenistan is not only a sporting competition, but also a significant social institution that contributes to strengthening national unity, educating youth, and the country's international standing.
Ashgabat hosted a historic AFC Champions League Two match
12.02.2026The Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat, the largest in Central Asia, hosted the Asian Football Confederation Champions League Second Round match between the Turkmen club ‘Arkadag’ and the Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The match was a clear reflection of Turkmenistan's state policy aimed at developing sport and enhancing its international prestige. Before the start of the match, spectators were treated to a concert programme dedicated to the country's achievements in sport. After that, the teams took to the field, and the lighting of the torch in the stadium symbolised the official start of the match. From the very first minutes, the game was tense. Both teams demonstrated a high level of skill, with ‘Arkadag’s players confidently defending and actively counterattacking. The support of the packed stands created a special atmosphere in the stadium. The match ended with a score of 0:1 in favour of ‘Al-Nassr’. Despite the result, the match was a significant event for Turkmen football and received widespread public attention. According to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, regardless of the outcome, such matches are a celebration for the people and an incentive for new achievements by athletes. The meeting became a symbol of cultural dialogue, international partnership and further development of sport in Turkmenistan.
A press conference was held in the capital of Turkmenistan with participants of the AFC Champions League match
11.02.2026A press conference was held at the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat with the participation of coaches and players from FC ‘Arkadag’ (city of Arkadag) and FC ‘Al-Nassr’ (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The event took place on the eve of the AFC Champions League 2 Round of 16 match, which will be held in Ashgabat. Representatives of foreign media who arrived to cover the match asked questions about the teams' readiness. Earlier, ‘Al-Nassr’ FC familiarised themselves with the infrastructure of the Olympic Village and the conditions of the Olympic Stadium. During the press conference, the coach and player of ‘Arkadag’ FC answered questions from journalists. It was noted that the match attracted the interest of media representatives from 13 countries. Then the coach and player of FC ‘Al-Nassr’ spoke to the press. The team representatives noted the high level of organisation, the capabilities of the Olympic Stadium, which can accommodate 45,000 spectators, and expressed their gratitude for the welcome. Both teams declared their readiness for the upcoming match and their determination to win.
The match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ will be refereed by a referee from Bahrain
09.02.2026The 39-year-old referee from Bahrain, Ammar Ebrahim Hasan Mahfoodh, has been appointed as the main referee for the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ and Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. His assistants will be Mohamed Jaafar Mohamed Salman and Abdulla Saleh Abdulla Mohsen Alrowaimi. Mohamed Khaled Tarrar will serve as the reserve referee, while Kuwaiti referee Abdullah Al-Kandari will be responsible for the VAR system. The match will take place in Ashgabat on Wednesday, 11 February. Kick-off is at 18:45 local time.
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