Sport
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.
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.
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.
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.
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