Sport
Media forum in Ashgabat highlights prospects for Chinese-Turkmen partnership
09.02.2026Independent journalist from China, expert on international relations and sports, commentator for CCTV-5 television channel Yang Sheng, spoke at the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football”. He noted the strategic partnership between China and Turkmenistan, linked to the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ and the Turkmen doctrine of ‘Revival of the Great Silk Road,’ reports IIC. Yang Sheng highlighted three areas of cooperation: strengthening energy ties, educational projects (including the Luban Workshop) and cooperation in the field of regional security in the ‘Central Asia-China’ and SCO formats. He stressed that the upcoming AFC Champions League match was an opportunity to bring together media professionals from around the world. In conclusion, Yang Sheng noted that the partnership between the two countries, based on mutual respect, opens up opportunities in the digital economy and ‘green’ energy, creating prospects for joint development.
Robert Frantsev noted the significance of FC ‘Arkadag’s successes for Turkmenistan
09.02.2026At a press conference held by the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football”, ahead of the historic match in Ashgabat, Robert Frantsev, a correspondent for the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company, noted the successes of FC ‘Arkadag’ as important for Turkmenistan. This was reported by IIC. He emphasised that the club's rapid growth was the result of a state programme to develop sports infrastructure and promote a healthy lifestyle. The basis for this success is the material and technical base created for the 2017 Asian Games, which continues to be actively used for mass sports. Frantsev noted that the match is important not only as a sporting event, but also as an opportunity to present the culture, hospitality and natural wealth of Turkmenistan to an international audience. According to him, the game will give a powerful impetus to the younger generation, inspiring children across the country to take up sports and develop a will to win.
Moldovan expert praised the organisation of the match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’
09.02.2026At an international sports conference in Ashgabat, Natalia Donets, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Sport-Time.org and Representative of the Moldovan Football Federation, shared her impressions of the organisation of the AFC Champions League match between FC ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’. This was reported by IIC. For Donets, this was her first experience with Asian football. She noted the professional preparation for the match and the rapid progress of ‘Arkadag’, emphasising the club's focus on developing its own talent as a sign of a long-term sports strategy. The expert also highlighted the scale of the volunteer movement: more than 500 volunteers participated in the organisation of the game. According to her, such community involvement demonstrates the country's dedication to sport. Donets added that events of this level promote cultural exchange, reinforce the principles of fair play and inspire children in Turkmenistan to participate in sports.
The match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ will be broadcast in 168 countries around the world
09.02.2026At the media forum, Annasahet Kakayev, Deputy Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Television, Radio Broadcasting and Cinematography, spoke about preparations for the broadcast of the FC ‘Arkadag’ vs ‘Al-Nassr’ match. This was reported by IIC. He noted that through cooperation with the Asian Football Confederation and Asia Football Group, viewers in 168 countries will be able to watch the game. Thirty-nine media systems have acquired the rights to broadcast the match, which will ensure wide audience coverage. The broadcast will be conducted in accordance with high international standards: filming at the stadium with 14 cameras and the work of more than 220 specialists. Two mobile satellite stations, ‘Türkmen Älemi’ and ‘Eutelsat’, will be used to transmit the signal. Professional commentary will be provided in Turkmen and English in three booths at the Olympic Stadium. Fan zones have been set up in the ‘Aşgabat’, ‘Berkarar’ and ‘Arkaç’ shopping centres in Ashgabat. Kakayev emphasised that comprehensive coverage of the event will showcase the country's sporting potential and the development of Turkmen television and media technologies.
Young athletes from Turkmenistan visited the Olympic Village
09.02.2026Students from the capital's School for Young Olympic Athletes visited the Olympic Village in Ashgabat. The trip was organised with the support of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, according to the state news agency TDH. The schoolchildren visited the sports complex, which was the main venue for the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017. They visited the village museum, where they were told about the history of the Games and competitions in 21 sports. Special attention was paid to the symbols of the Asian Games and information about preparations for international tournaments held at the complex's facilities. The students then visited the Olympic Stadium, which can seat 45,000 spectators, where they watched the ‘Arkadag’ football club train. The team is preparing for the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match against ‘Al-Nassr’ from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The ‘Arkadag’ FC players talked with the school students and presented them with commemorative gifts. The young athletes noted that learning about the conditions for training and holding international competitions was an important experience for them.
Young wrestlers from Turkmenistan won medals at the ‘RWL-VI Riada Wrestling Liga’
09.02.2026Turkmen freestyle wrestlers showed impressive results at the international tournament ‘RWL-VI Riada Wrestling Liga’, which took place from 7 to 8 February in Grozny. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. Athletes born between 2006 and 2008 participated in the competition, and Turkmen athletes won medals in five weight categories. Suleyman Musagulyev achieved the greatest success, becoming the winner in the heaviest category — up to 125 kg. Azatberdi Asyrgulyev won silver in the 65 kg category. Three bronze medals were won by Azimberdi Asyrgulyev (57 kg), Dagan Guvanchmyradov (61 kg) and Batyr Begenjov (74 kg). The results of the young athletes confirm the effectiveness of the reserve training system and the high level of work of the coaching staff. The successful performance in Grozny was further proof of the growing competitiveness of the Turkmen freestyle wrestling school.
Turkmen referee officiated at the Asian Futsal Cup quarter-final
06.02.2026Turkmen FIFA referee Timur Ramazanov refereed the Asian Futsal Cup quarter-final match in Indonesia between Japan and Afghanistan, together with his Iranian colleague Ebrahim Mehrabiafshar. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. T. Ramazanov had already worked at the tournament: he refereed the group stage match between Japan and Australia and was the third referee in the match between Iraq and South Korea. His high qualifications allowed him to be included in the pool of referees for the key stages of the championship. In the quarter-finals, Japan defeated Afghanistan (6-0), Iraq beat Thailand (4-2), Indonesia defeated Vietnam (3-2), and Iran defeated Uzbekistan (7-4).
Turkmen athletes will compete for medals at the Asian Road Cycling Championships
05.02.2026The Turkmenistan national cycling team will compete in the 45th Asian Road Cycling Championships, which will be held from 5 to 13 February in Saudi Arabia. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The team consists of seven athletes: two in the ‘elite’ category and five among the juniors. They will take part in individual time trials and group competitions. Turkmenistan will be represented in the ‘elite’ category by Berdimyrat Yasyev and Begench Hudaygulyev, both third-year students at specialised universities. Among the juniors will be Daniil Nurlyev, Alexander Saushkin, Resul Byashov, Seyitbek Nurlayev and Angelina Ryabova. The delegation is headed by Vitaly Zatsepin, Secretary General of the Cycling Federation. The coaching staff consists of Igor Yuldashev and mechanic Kakabay Atayev. Athletes from more than 40 Asian countries, including China, Japan, Korea, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Iran, will take part in the competition. The tournament is held under the auspices of the Asian Cycling Confederation and will take place simultaneously with the 32nd Junior and 14th Asian Para-Cycling Championships.
‘Arkadag’ footballers began training after gathering in Antalya
05.02.2026The ‘Arkadag’ footballers returned to Ashgabat after a three-week training camp in Antalya. The team is preparing for a historic AFC Champions League match, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. After returning on 2 February, the first training session took place at the club's training base. The players focused on recovery, tactical exercises and the adaptation of newcomers. The training session was intense but engaging, helping the team switch from away sparring mode to combat readiness for official matches.
Turkmen referees work at the Asian Futsal Cup in Indonesia
30.01.2026The final round of the 18th AFC Futsal Championship is taking place in Indonesia and will continue until 7 February. Representatives of the Turkmenistan Referees' School are participating in the tournament, according to IIC. FIFA referee Timur Ramazanov officiated the Group C match between Japan and Australia. The match ended with a score of 6:2 in favour of Japan. His partner was referee Abdulrahman Al-Dosari from Bahrain. In the second round of Group A, Timur Ramazanov will be the third referee in the match between Iraq and South Korea. Another representative of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, Vadim Baratov, is involved in the tournament as a referee inspector. He monitors the work of the refereeing teams and compliance with international standards.
Turkmen wrestlers win gold at international tournament in Baku
26.01.2026The ‘Aslanov Wrestling Open Tournament’, an international freestyle wrestling competition bringing together the strongest athletes from different countries, is being held in Baku. This was reported by IIC. Turkmen wrestlers Shamuhammet Rejepov and Annadurdy Annadurdyev won their weight categories, winning gold medals and confirming the high level of the national wrestling school. Their victories at this prestigious international event were an important achievement for the Turkmenistan national team, demonstrating the high quality of training and the growing potential of athletes on the world stage.
The Turkmenistan kickboxing team is holding an international training camp in Shymkent
26.01.2026The national team of the Turkmenistan Kickboxing Federation is holding international training camps in Shymkent (Kazakhstan). This was reported by the IIC. Leading Turkmen and foreign athletes are participating in the training sessions, which allows them to practise fighting in conditions similar to those of international competitions. The main focus is on improving technique and tactics, developing endurance and psychological resilience. The training camp promotes the exchange of experience, the mastery of modern training methods and the strengthening of international sporting ties, creating a solid foundation for successful performances in upcoming tournaments.
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