Sport
Young chess player from Turkmenistan wins silver at international festival in Abu Dhabi
28.08.2025The 31st International Chess Festival, one of the biggest chess events of the year, has come to an end in Abu Dhabi. More than 3,000 chess players from 83 countries took part in the 31st tournament. This was reported by IIC. Eight-year-old chess player Kerim Babayev from Turkmenistan took second place in the category for boys under 8 in the Juniors Under 16 tournament. The young athlete scored 5.5 points out of a possible 9, demonstrating confident play under the guidance of coach Aynur Isayeva. Kerim Babayev's success continued the brilliant achievements of Turkmen chess players on the international stage. Over the past four years, athletes from Turkmenistan have been increasingly active in world chess competitions, inspiring a new generation to achieve high results. The festival was held at the legendary Radisson Blu Hotel in Abu Dhabi, where the strongest chess players from around the world gathered.
‘Ahal’ to host AFC Champions League home matches in Ashgabat
28.08.2025The Turkmen football club ‘Ahal’ will play its home matches in the group stage of the AFC Champions League 2025-2026 season at the ‘Kopetdag’ Stadium in Ashgabat. This was reported by the news website Asmannews. The team's opponents will be India's ‘Mohun Bagan’, Jordan's ‘Al-Hussein’ and Iran's ‘Sepahan’. The group stage matches are scheduled to take place from 16 September to 24 December. Each team will play three home and three away matches, with the top two clubs from each group advancing to the playoffs.
Turkmen referee participates in FIFA seminar in Malaysia
28.08.2025Turkmen FIFA referee Timur Ramazanov took part in a training seminar for referees, which was held in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) from 18 to 23 August. The event was organised by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), according to IIC. The seminar was attended by 56 referees and leading international experts from the AFC and FIFA. Over the course of five days, participants combined theoretical classes with practical training. First, the referees successfully passed a physical test consisting of three parts: running with short and long strides, as well as sideways movements. The theoretical programme focused on discussing the new futsal rules introduced by FIFA and analysing complex game situations. The event served as an important platform for sharing experiences at the international level and improving the professional qualifications of referees.
The coach of the Turkmenistan national football team has announced the squad for CAFA 2025
26.08.2025The Head coach of the Turkmenistan national team, Rovshen Meredov, has announced the squad for the CAFA Nations Cup matches. The national team will play three matches: on 30 August against Kyrgyzstan, on 2 September against Uzbekistan and on 5 September against Oman. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The squad includes: Goalkeepers – Rasul Charyev, Rustem Ahallyev (both ‘Arkadag’), Muhammet Ovezov (‘Shagadam’). Defenders – Vepa Jumayev (‘Vitebsk’, Belarus), Bagtiyar Gurgenov (‘Ahal’), Abdy Byashimov, Ibrahim Mammedov, Berdimyrat Rejebov, Ihlas Toyjanov, Guychmyrat Annagulyev (all ‘Arkadag’). Midfielders – Rahman Myratberdiyev (‘Altyn Asyr’), Gurban Annayev (‘Ahal’), Yazgylych Gurbanov, Arzuvguly Sapargulyev, Mirza Beknazarov, Velmyrat Ballakov, Ahmet Atayev, Ihlas Saparmammedov (all ‘Arkadag’). Forwards – Mihail Titov (‘Uzgen’, Kyrgyzstan), Begench Akmammedov, Altymyrat Annadurdyev, Shamammet Hydyrov, Didar Durdyev, Shanazar Tirkishov (all ‘Arkadag’).
The AFC Challenge Cup was displayed at ‘Kids Expo’ in Ashgabat
24.08.2025At the ‘Kids Expo: Everything for Children’ exhibition in Ashgabat, the Turkmenistan Football Federation presented the AFC Challenge Cup, won by ‘Arkadag’ FC in the 2024–2025 season. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The trophy was the centrepiece of the federation's stand, where young football fans could see it up close and take photos. Representatives of the federation emphasised that displaying the cup at a children's exhibition helps to popularise football among children and showcases the successes of Turkmen teams on the international stage. The ‘Kids Expo’ exhibition traditionally brings families together and introduces them to educational programmes, sports clubs and children's products.
Karate fighters from Turkmenistan won 24 medals at the Central Asian Cup in Tashkent
22.08.2025From 18 to 20 August, Tashkent hosted the Central Asian Kyokushinkai Karate Cup, which was attended by about 550 athletes from eight countries. The Turkmen team won 24 medals, including 6 gold, 4 silver and 14 bronze. This was reported by IIC. Meylis Pashakuliev won the category for athletes over 18 years old weighing 80 kilograms. Medine Danatarova won among participants aged 14-15 in the weight category up to 60 kilograms. Gulshirin Orazmuradova took first place in the over-18 category weighing 65 kilograms. Ayymjan Sultanova won in the category for athletes over 18 years old weighing up to 65 kilograms. Suleyman Agamedov was the best among participants aged 16-17 in the weight category up to 60 kilograms. Seyran Potarov won in the age group over 45 years old with a weight of up to 85 kilograms. These achievements made a significant contribution to the overall success of the Turkmenistan team at the tournament. Silver medals were awarded to Kumush Genjeeva, Shahzada Menglieva, Aynur Nurjanova and Alimerden Iskanderov. The Turkmen team was represented by athletes from Ashgabat, Ahal, Mary and Dashoguz velayats, as well as students from universities across the country. The success of the Turkmen karatekas confirmed the high level of development of this sport in Turkmenistan.
A new women's football club, ‘Kerwen’, has been founded in Ashgabat
22.08.2025A new women's football club, ‘Kerwen’, has been established in Ashgabat, which will include both players from the Turkmenistan national team and promising young athletes. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Maria Ponomareva has been appointed head coach, assisted by Evgenia Spirina and Kristina Naumenko. Technical support for the club is provided by the distributor of the Spanish brand ‘Joma’ in Turkmenistan. According to the management, the team's goal is to develop women's football and reach the international level.
‘Ahal’ and ‘Altyn Asyr’ played to a draw in the final match of the 18th round of the Turkmenistan Championship
22.08.2025In the final match of the 18th round of the Turkmenistan Premier League football championship, the football clubs ‘Ahal’ and ‘Altyn Asyr’ played to a goalless draw. The match took place in Ashgabat at the ‘Nusay’ Stadium and was the third between these teams this season. ‘Altyn Asyr’ had previously won two matches: 1-0 away and 3-1 at home. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Before the match, ‘Ahal’ was in second place in the standings, while ‘Altyn Asyr’ was in third place. A victory would have allowed the capital club to overtake its rival, but the game ended in a draw. As a result, both teams received one point each. ‘Ahal’, with 32 points after 16 matches, remained in second place, while ‘Altyn Asyr’, with 30 points after 18 games, remained in third place. ‘Arkadag’ remains the championship leader with 57 points in 19 matches and a perfect record.
Taekwondo athletes from Turkmenistan will participate in the CIS Games in Azerbaijan
20.08.2025The Turkmenistan WT Taekwondo team will participate in the III CIS Games, which will be held from 28 September to 8 October in Azerbaijan. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The final composition of the team is currently being formed, and the competitions themselves are of great importance for the athletes and the development of the sport in the region. In October, Turkmen taekwondo athletes also plan to compete in the World Championships in the Chinese city of Wuxi. The team is being trained by the national team's head coach, Byashim Rozyev, together with his assistant, Toyli Amangeldiyev. The CIS Games will be held in seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Gabala, Sheki, Heydar Aliyev and Khankendi.
‘Arkadag’ secured its third victory over FC ‘Altyn Asyr’ in the Turkmenistan championship
20.08.2025In the 17th round of the Turkmenistan Premier League, ‘Arkadag’ Football Club confirmed its dominant status by securing its third victory over ‘Altyn Asyr’ in the current season. The match ended with a score of 5:2 in favour of the reigning AFC Challenge League winner. This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The winners' goals were scored by G. Annagulyev (18th minute), B. Akmamedov (31st minute), A. Atayev (40th minute), Sh. Tirkishov (45+1) and D. Durdyev (81st minute). ‘Altyn Asyr’s goals were scored by A. Annamyradov (42nd minute) and H. Hojovov (60th minute from a penalty kick). After this victory, ‘Arkadag’ occupies an ideal position in the tournament, having scored 54 points in 18 matches. The closest pursuer, ‘Ahal’, trails the leader by 23 points and has three matches left to play due to its participation in the AFC Champions League qualifiers.
A regional ITF Level 2 coaching seminar was held in Turkmenistan
20.08.2025From 1 to 12 August 2025, the Ashgabat Olympic City Tennis Complex hosted a prestigious Level 2 regional seminar organised by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). The event brought together 15 coaches from Turkmenistan, Bahrain, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan. The training course was conducted by certified ITF experts Seyedamir Borghei (Iran) and Igor Shelyakin (Uzbekistan). This was reported by the online publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Over the course of 12 days, participants underwent intensive training, including 37 online courses through the ITF Academy platform and five practical exams. The programme covered methods for conducting individual and group training, modern approaches to testing athletes and issues related to the organisation of the competition process. Coaches who successfully pass the certification will receive an international certificate entitling them to train players for participation in top-level tournaments. As part of the development of its educational infrastructure, the Turkmenistan Tennis Federation plans to hold a ‘Play tennis’ seminar for beginner coaches from 28 to 31 August 2025. The event will be conducted by local ITF-licensed specialists.
A mini-football tournament was held in Iran with the support of the Consulate General of Turkmenistan
19.08.2025On 16 August, a mini-football tournament was held in Mashhad (Iran) with the support of the Consulate General of Turkmenistan. The competition, dedicated to the motto of the year, ‘International Year of Peace and Trust,’ took place at the ‘Astan Ghods’ Sports Complex. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Employees of the Turkmen Consulate General, as well as representatives of the Turkmen and Afghan diasporas, took part in the games. The organisers emphasised that the tournament took place in a friendly atmosphere, becoming not only a sporting event but also an example of strengthening interethnic ties. At the end of the competition, the winners were presented with commemorative gifts.
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