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Tengiz Pachkoria: FC ‘Arkadag’ match will give impetus to Turkmen football
10.02.2026International sports commentator Tengiz Pachkoria arrived in Ashgabat to cover the ‘Arkadag’ match on 11 February. With 46 years of experience, the journalist previously covered the Olympic Games in Sochi and Beijing; his visit to Turkmenistan was the 55th stop on his professional journey, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. According to him, the match is of historical significance for the club and for Turkmen football as a whole. Pachkoria noted that the match is an important step towards the Turkmenistan national team reaching the final stage of the World Cup and will allow it to face leading European teams such as Georgia and Serbia in the future. During his visit, the journalist conveyed greetings to the Turkmen people from Georgian coach and academician Jemal Gugushvili, who led the Turkmenistan national team in 1996-1997 and laid the foundations for professional football in the country. The expert emphasised that it is not only the result of the match that is important for fans, but also the impetus it will give to the development of national football. In his opinion, the game will be a significant start for Turkmenistan's entry into world football.
The President of Turkmenistan sent his congratulations to participants in the exhibition of Turkish goods
10.02.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory message to participants of the Turkish Republic Export Goods Exhibition, which opened in Ashgabat on 10 February. This was reported by the internet resource AsmanNews. In his message, the Head of State noted that the Republic of Turkey is one of Turkmenistan's key trade and economic partners. Turkish companies are implementing joint projects in various sectors of the economy and expanding business ties with Turkmen partners. It was emphasised that Turkmenistan has created favourable conditions for investment and foreign trade cooperation, which opens up new opportunities for expanding Turkmen-Turkish ties. The President of Turkmenistan recalled that the two countries regularly hold cross-exhibitions, business councils and forums, which contribute to the development of contacts between the public and private sectors. As a result, the Republic of Turkey occupies a significant place in Turkmenistan's foreign trade turnover. It was reported that the exhibition will feature developments and products from Turkish companies in the agricultural sector, food industry, construction, equipment manufacturing, energy, chemical industry, as well as medicine, education and science. Participants include both companies already operating in Turkmenistan and new exhibitors. In conclusion, Serdar Berdimuhamedov expressed his confidence that the exhibition would contribute to the growth of trade, the expansion of business contacts and the attraction of investment, and wished the participants success in their work.
Baku Ervin: ‘Arkadag’s match in the AFC Champions League 2 will become a symbol of friendship
09.02.2026Baku Ervin, representative of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS), spoke at the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football”. This was reported by IIC. He noted the importance of the upcoming AFC Champions League 2 round of 16 match between FC ‘Arkadag’ and Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’. According to him, the game will be a symbol of openness, cultural dialogue and international cooperation. Ervin stressed that football unites people regardless of language and borders. In his opinion, the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat is an important symbol of investment in the youth and health of the nation. He congratulated FC ‘Arkadag’ on its achievements and expressed confidence that the match will be a celebration of fair play and will strengthen the friendship between Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia and other Asian countries.
FC ‘Arkadag’ showcases Turkmen football on the world stage
09.02.2026At a press conference for the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football”, the Chairman of the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport, Allaberdi Saparov, spoke. He emphasised that the club's entry into the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match is not just a sporting achievement, but a vivid testimony to Turkmen football's entry into a new international level. Founded in 2023 on the initiative of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, the club has quickly become a powerful sporting force, according to IIC. Saparov noted that the team's successes in the national championship and victory in the AFC Challenge League were made possible thanks to comprehensive state support. In his speech, the Head of the State Committee drew attention to Turkmenistan's active cooperation with FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation. He stressed that the country has become a reliable venue for major international tournaments, and the upcoming match with ‘Al-Nassr’ on 11 February will be a clear confirmation of this. The game promises to be a real treat for fans and demonstrate the modern level of Turkmen stadiums and the organisation of sporting events. In conclusion, Saparov expressed his confidence that the players and coaching staff of FC ‘Arkadag’ will make every effort to justify the trust placed in them and put on a good show against the world's football stars.
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.
A media forum on the achievements of FC ‘Arkadag’ has opened in Ashgabat
09.02.2026On 9 February, the media forum “FC ‘Arkadag’ – The Pride and Future of Turkmen Football” opened at the International Broadcasting Centre in the Olympic Village. This was reported by IIC. Leading sports analysts, journalists and distinguished experts from Turkmenistan and abroad are participating in the event. The main topic of the forum was the rapid growth of the national champion and preparations for a landmark event — the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match against Saudi club ‘Al-Nassr’, which will take place on 11 February in Ashgabat. The upcoming match has generated a lot of interest among fans: for the first time, Turkmenistan will be visited by a major Asian football team with world stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo. For the Saudi team, this match will be an important part of their continental campaign, but they will face a confident FC ‘Arkadag’, led by head coach Vladimir Bayramov, which has already established itself as the strongest club in Central Asia.
‘Arkadag’ fans will be able to attend the match against ‘Al-Nassr’ with digital tickets
09.02.2026The football match between ‘Arkadag’ and Saudi Arabia's ‘Al-Nassr’ promises to be not only spectacular, but also technologically advanced. The organisers have announced that fans will no longer need to print out tickets — it will be enough to have them in digital form on their smartphones. This was reported by IIC. Electronic tickets allow fans to avoid queues and simplify access to the stands. All they need to do is open the QR code on their device screen and show it to the ticket inspector. To speed up the process, it is recommended that fans prepare their tickets in advance on their way to the stadium. After scanning, volunteers will help fans quickly find their seats. The introduction of digital tickets is part of a programme to create a comfortable, modern environment at sports venues in Turkmenistan. This allows fans to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the match without being distracted by formalities.
Before the match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’, fans can enjoy a musical programme
09.02.2026Before the AFC Champions League Round of 16 match between ‘Arkadag’ and ‘Al-Nassr’ football clubs, which will take place on 11 February in Ashgabat, a festive concert programme featuring Turkmen pop stars will be organised for fans. This announcement was published on the website of the Ashgabat Passenger Transport Company. The festivities will begin at 17:00. In this regard, spectators are advised to arrive at the Olympic Stadium in advance and pass through security checks in a timely manner. The organisers note that the event will be a colourful addition to the football match and will give fans the atmosphere of a real sporting celebration.
Turkmenistan strengthens cooperation with the UN within the framework of regional initiatives
09.02.2026On 9 February, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Myahri Byashimova held a meeting with UN Resident Coordinator in Turkmenistan Dmitry Shlapachenko and Ambassadors of Central Asian countries accredited in Ashgabat. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. During the talks, priority areas of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the United Nations and its specialised agencies were discussed. The parties placed particular emphasis on the preparation and conduct of the second regional training course for young diplomats and civil servants from Central Asian countries, which is planned to take place in Ashgabat in the near future.
Turkmen athletes won 18 medals at a ju-jitsu tournament in Italy
09.02.2026The Turkmenistan national team won 18 medals at an International Ju-Jitsu Ranking Tournament held in Genoa, Italy. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. At the end of the competition, Turkmen athletes took third place in the overall medal standings, winning 7 gold, 6 silver and 5 bronze medals. More than 450 athletes from 30 countries participated in the tournament. The Turkmenistan national team consisted of 18 athletes from various educational institutions across the country. Gold medals in their respective categories were won by: Norjev Soltanmyrat (56 kg), Rahmanov Shyhberdi (62 kg), Ovezov Yslam (69 kg), Taganov Rahmet (77 kg), Gokbeyeva Suray (57 kg), Abdyeva Hurma (52 kg) and Yollyev Eziz (85 kg). Silver medals were awarded to: Rovshenov Bayram (56 kg), Kullyeva Aynur (48 kg), Nuryev Suleyman (62 kg), Amanmyradov Annagurt (77 kg), Dovvayev Seyran (85 kg) and Esenov Gudrat (69 kg). Bronze medalists were: Garajayev Abdyrahman (56 kg), Kuliyev Dayanch (77 kg), Rahmanov Parahat (62 kg) and Myradov Bagtyyar (85 kg). The Italian team topped the medal table, winning 50 medals: 17 gold, 14 silver and 19 bronze. Kazakhstan took second place with 25 medals (7 gold, 10 silver and 8 bronze).
The Ambassador of Turkmenistan to the Kingdom of Thailand presented copies of his credentials
09.02.2026On 9 February, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Thailand (residence – Kuala Lumpur) M. Mashalov met with the Director of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Indonesia Chakkrid Krachaiwong, during which copies of the credentials were presented. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. The Thai side congratulated the Ambassador on his appointment, wished him success and confirmed its readiness to support him in his diplomatic work. The parties discussed the importance of high-level negotiations for the development of inter-state dialogue and the possibility of organising visits by Heads of State. At the end of the meeting, it was decided to maintain regular contacts between the foreign ministries of Turkmenistan and Thailand to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
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.
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