Sport
Turkmenistan wrestlers to compete in key international tournaments in 2026
14.01.2026In 2026, the Turkmenistan wrestling team is looking forward to a busy international season. The United World Wrestling (UWW) has published the official competition calendar, which includes key continental and world tournaments involving Turkmen athletes, according to IIC. The season will open with the Asian Championships for adults. The tournament will take place from 6 to 12 April in Bishkek and will be the first major event of the year, as well as an important stage in preparation for the world championships. Youth and junior teams are also included in the international programme. At the end of May, the Asian Championships for athletes under 17 and under 23 will be held in Danang. World championships are planned for the summer: the U-17 World Championship will take place from 27 July to 2 August in Baku, and the U-20 tournament from 17 to 23 August in Bratislava. The key event of the season will be the Asian Games, which will take place from 30 September to 3 October in Nagoya. Participation in this tournament is considered one of the most prestigious events on the continent. The autumn part of the calendar will be devoted to world championships among older age groups. The U-23 World Championships will take place from 12 to 18 October in Las Vegas, and the season will end with the World Championships among adults, which will be held in Manama from 24 October to 1 November. Thus, in 2026, Turkmenistan's wrestlers will compete in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East, gaining the opportunity to strengthen the country's position in the international wrestling arena.
The match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ will be broadcast in accordance with international standards
12.01.2026The State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, in collaboration with Asia Football Group, is finalising preparations for the technical support of the ‘Arkadag’ vs ‘Al-Nassr’ match at the Olympic Stadium. This information was provided by the IIC. Twelve cameras, positioned in accordance with international standards, will be used for the television broadcast. Live coverage will begin 30 minutes before the start of the match. The broadcast will include exclusive footage of the teams' arrival, material from the changing rooms, and interviews with the head coaches. During the half-time break, viewers will be presented with a selection of key moments and analytical reviews. The ‘Türkmenistan Sport’ TV channel will broadcast a special pre-match programme one hour before the game from its modern studio at the International Broadcasting Centre. At the same time, the accreditation process for cameramen, photographers and editors is being finalised, who will provide comprehensive and prompt coverage of all stages of the sporting event.
Mergen Orazov has begun preparing FC ‘Arkadag’ for the AFC Champions League play-offs
09.01.2026Renowned Turkmen football expert Mergen Orazov has returned from Europe and taken charge of ‘Arkadag’ Football Club. In February, the team will play decisive matches in the AFC Champions League 2 play-offs against Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’, according to IIC. Orazov's return is a significant event for Turkmen football. The coach is known as a successful specialist at club and international level, and his European experience is seen as an important factor in preparing the team to face one of the strongest clubs in the region. The coaching staff of FC ‘Arkadag’ is currently focusing on tactics, the physical condition of the players and studying the opponent. ‘Al-Nassr’ has a strong line-up and extensive experience of playing on the continental stage, which requires a high level of concentration and discipline from the Turkmen team. For ‘Arkadag’, participation in the AFC Champions League 2 play-offs is an important step in the club's development and a chance to make a name for itself on the Asian football scene. The appointment of M. Orazov underscores the seriousness of the team's tasks ahead of the February matches.
Turkmen wrestlers presented a calendar of international tournaments
09.01.2026Turkmen wrestlers will take part in a number of major international tournaments in 2026, according to the news website AsmanNews. The season will open with the Asian Championships for adults in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (6–12 April), followed by the U-17 and U-23 tournaments in Danang, Vietnam (23–31 May). In the summer, the world championships will be held: the U-17 in Baku, Azerbaijan (27 July–2 August) and the U-20 in Bratislava, Slovakia (17–23 August). In the autumn, athletes will compete in the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan (30 September–3 October) and the U-23 World Championships in Las Vegas, USA (12–18 October). The season will close with the World Championships in Manama, Bahrain (24 October–1 November).
A ‘Grassroots’ children's football festival was held in Ashgabat
07.01.2026The ‘Ashgabat’ Stadium hosted the ‘Grassroots’ Children's Football Festival, organised by the Football Federation of Turkmenistan in conjunction with the Olympic Reserve Children's and Youth School. This was reported by the Orient news agency. About 150 children born in 2014-2015 took part in the event. The programme included game training to develop basic football skills, competitions, relays and exercises at various themed stations. At the end of the festival, all participants received footballs as gifts from the Federation.
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.
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’.
Midfielder for the Turkmenistan national team transferred to FC ‘Arkadag’
03.01.202625-year-old midfielder Meylis Diniyev of the Turkmenistan national team has officially become a player for the ‘Arkadag’ football club. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Last season, M. Diniyev played for Kyrgyzstan's ‘Kyrgyzaltyn’, based in Kara-Balta. He played 12 matches and scored two goals. The player's market value is estimated at €150,000. It is worth noting that in the 1/8 finals of the AFC Champions League 2, ‘Arkadag’ football club will face Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’, which includes world stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo.
The dates for the matches between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ in the AFC Champions League 2 have been set
03.01.2026The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed the dates and times for the AFC Champions League Round of 16 matches. Turkmenistan's ‘Arkadag’ will play Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’ on 11 and 18 February, according to Turkmenportal. The first match will take place on 11 February at the ‘Arkadag’ Stadium, which has a capacity of 10,000 spectators. Kick-off is at 18:45 Ashgabat time. The return leg will be held on 18 February in Riyadh and will start at 21:15. In the group stage, ‘Al-Nassr’ took first place in Group D, winning six matches out of six with a goal difference of 22:2. ‘Arkadag’ finished second in Group B with one win, four draws and one defeat, with a goal difference of 5:6. The winner of the match will advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the ‘Al-Zawraa’ (Iraq) vs. ‘Al-Wasl’ (UAE) match.
The Turkmenistan Tennis Federation has summarised the results of 2025
30.12.2025The final conference of the Turkmenistan Tennis Federation was held in Ashgabat, dedicated to the results of 2025 and plans for the next season. Participants summarised the sporting and organisational results of the federation's work, according to IIC. During the year, Turkmen tennis players achieved a number of significant results on the international arena. Suleyman Hudayberdiyev won a tournament in Saudi Arabia, and 11-year-old Sulgun Ishankuliyeva won a competition in Dubai. The U14 women's team was among the five strongest teams in the region, and the U16 team made its debut in the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers. The 30+ team reached the quarter-finals of the world championship, defeating the Canadian team. The conference also noted the launch of the ‘Wheelchair Tennis’ programme in Turkmenistan. The project is being implemented on the basis of a memorandum between the Tennis Federation of Turkmenistan and UNICEF and is aimed at developing inclusive sport. In 2025, the federation trained 15 certified coaches, bringing their total number to 60. In the summer, the U12 girls' team defeated the Uzbekistan national team and reached the final of the Asian competition, while the U14 juniors took first place in the team standings at an international tournament in Thailand. In the autumn, an ITF Level 2 training seminar was held in Ashgabat with the participation of coaches from five countries. The season ended with the Turkmenistan men's team defeating Guam in the Davis Cup zonal tournament in Bahrain. The team earned the right to compete in Group IV of the Asia-Oceania zone in 2026. At the end of the conference, athletes and coaches were awarded honorary diplomas.
FC ‘Arkadag’ will play against ‘Al Nassr’ in the AFC Champions League Round of 16
30.12.2025Turkmen football club ‘Arkadag’ will face Saudi Arabia's ‘Al Nassr’ in the round of 16 of the 2025/26 AFC Champions League. The opponent was determined by the results of the playoff draw, which took place in Kuala Lumpur, according to IIC. ‘Arkadag’ advanced to the playoff stage from second place in the group and was placed in the second pot. ‘Al Nassr’ was among the seeded teams as the winner of its quartet. The return matches of the 1/8 finals of the western region are scheduled for 10–11 and 17–18 February 2026. One of the matches is expected to take place in Ashgabat. ‘Arkadag’ secured their place in the play-offs on 20 December, beating Bahrain's ‘Al Khaldiya’ 1-0 in the final round of the group stage. The quarter-finals of the tournament will take place in March, and the semi-finals in April. The AFC Champions League 2 final, in which the winners of the western and eastern groups will meet, is scheduled for 16 May 2026.
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