Sport
The Embassy of Turkmenistan organised a football tournament in Ankara
07.04.2026On 5 April, a football tournament organised by the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the Republic of Turkey took place in Ankara. The event was timed to coincide with the 2026 motto ‘Independent Neutral Turkmenistan − the Homeland of Purposeful Winged Horses’ and World Health Day, reports the news agency Orient. Members of the ‘Arkadag’ football club’s fan club took part in the competition, as well as students studying in Turkey. The tournament marked another step towards strengthening cultural and sporting ties between Turkmenistan and Turkey, and also helped to promote a healthy lifestyle among the younger generation. During the matches, the participants demonstrated not only a high level of sporting skill but also team spirit. The final match proved particularly spectacular and left a lasting impression on the spectators. At the end of the tournament, all participants received commemorative gifts from the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Turkey.
Athletes from Turkmenistan won 123 medals in the first quarter
05.04.2026In Turkmenistan, between January and March 2026, athletes won 123 medals at international competitions. This was announced by B. Mammedov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, at a government meeting. This was reported by TDH. According to him, measures to develop physical culture, sport and international cooperation in this field were implemented during the reporting period. Summing up, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasised the need for further work in the fields of science, education, healthcare and sport. The Deputy Prime Minister has been tasked with promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people on an ongoing basis. The Head of State also noted that World Health Day will be celebrated in the country on 7 April. He congratulated the meeting participants and citizens on this occasion. World Health Day was established to mark the founding of the World Health Organisation in 1948 and is observed annually on 7 April. The organisation comprises 194 member states, including Turkmenistan. The holiday aims to promote a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, avoiding harmful habits and regular physical activity.
The Turkmen community in Herat organised a futsal tournament
05.04.2026A futsal tournament for ethnic Turkmen was held in Herat. The competition was organised to mark the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence, according to IIC. The matches were held at the ‘Modern’ cultural and sports complex. The event was organised by the Consulate General of Turkmenistan. Eight teams from the Turkmen diaspora in the western region of Afghanistan took part in the tournament. More than a hundred spectators were present in the stands. Among the guests were representatives of relevant departments and the Herat Futsal Federation. The winners were awarded medals and trophies. Participants were presented with commemorative gifts. The event concluded with a joint sadaqah.
The Turkmenistan Badminton Federation has been awarded a prestigious international prize
31.03.2026The Turkmenistan Badminton Federation has received international recognition: at a ceremony held on 28 March in Bali under the auspices of the Badminton Asia Confederation, the organisation was awarded a special certificate in recognition of its contribution to the development of sport and humanitarian values. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The document highlights the federation’s role in nurturing future champions and strengthening community spirit. The award was presented by the Confederation’s President, Kim Jong Soo. Among all Asian federations, only 13 organisations have received such recognition. Experts emphasised Turkmenistan’s systematic approach to sports infrastructure and the involvement of young people in an active lifestyle. Founded in November 2024, the federation has, in a short space of time, established training programmes and strengthened the country’s position as a promising participant in the international Olympic movement in Asia.
Turkmenistan's U16 tennis players have reached the semi-finals of the Davis Cup
30.03.2026Turkmenistan’s junior tennis team finished fourth out of 15 teams at the preliminary qualifying tournament for the U16 Davis Cup in the Asia-Oceania zone, which concluded in Colombo (Sri Lanka). This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The team, seeded sixth, was represented by 9th grade students: Suleyman Hudayberdiyev (Specialised Secondary School No. 86, Ashgabat), Ali Geldiyev (School for the Training of Young Olympians) and Kerimgeldi Guldurdyev (A.S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian School). In the group stage, the Turkmenistan team finished top of Group ‘B’, beating the Oman team 3–0 and defeating the teams from Myanmar and Singapore 2–1 in hard-fought matches. In the quarter-finals, the Turkmen tennis players secured a confident 2-0 victory over the Philippines. In the semi-finals, the Turkmenistan team lost 0–2 to the third-seeded Vietnamese side, showing resilience and fighting spirit in two lengthy singles matches. In the third-place play-off, the Turkmen juniors lost to Sri Lanka, conceding only in the doubles match – 1–2. The team thus finished the tournament in fourth place, achieving their best result in all their years of participation in the regional Davis Cup qualifiers. Ali Geldiyev made a significant contribution to this success, securing five victories in six singles matches at tournaments in Qatar and Thailand. Kerimgeldi Guldurdyev and Suleyman Hudayberdiyev, who have experience of competing in international tournaments, also played an active part in the team’s victories. The juniors’ preparation for the tournament was overseen by their personal coaches and the captain of the Turkmenistan national team, Gurbanberdi Gurbanberdiyev. Ali Geldiyev honed his skills under Gurbanberdi Gurbanberdiyev and Meylis Orazmuhammedov, Suleyman Hudayberdiyev trained under the guidance of Yuri Rogussky, and Kerimgeldi Guldurdyev under Hajymyrat Charyev. In the final of the preliminary tournament, the teams from Malaysia and Vietnam competed for a place in the final qualifying round, where the Malaysian tennis players secured a 2-0 victory. The Davis Cup Junior was established by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) in 1985 as the World Cup for boys under 16 and has been held under its current name since 2002. The winners of the regional qualifiers advance to the final stage, where they compete for the title of champion.
The Ashgabat forum emphasized the importance of humanitarianism and international cooperation
27.03.2026On March 26, the International Conference “Ynsanperwerlik ýoly” was held in a hybrid format in the conference hall of the Arçabil Hotel, timed to coincide with the 35th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s independence. The forum brought together leaders of the National Society of the Red Crescent of Turkmenistan, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, as well as delegates from foreign Red Crescent societies participating online. This was reported by the publication "Turkmenistan: Golden Age". During the event, discussions focused on cooperation with international humanitarian organizations, the professional development of staff and volunteers, the exchange of experience, and the implementation of joint projects. Participants emphasized that the activities of National Red Crescent societies fully comply with the principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement — humanity, independence, and voluntarism. In their speeches, delegates noted that Turkmenistan’s foreign policy strategy, based on peacefulness, good-neighborliness, and humanitarianism, actively contributes to addressing global humanitarian challenges.
Turkmen basketball players played a scrimmage match against the Philippines
27.03.2026The Turkmenistan men’s 3x3 basketball team played a friendly match against the Philippine national team as part of their training camp, the IIC reports. The game served as a stage in preparation for international competitions. The players worked on tactical schemes and improved their individual skills in conditions similar to official matches. The coaching staff assessed the athletes’ physical condition and their coordination in both defense and offense. It is noted that participation in such matches helps accumulate competitive experience and prepares the team for continental tournaments.
The spring horse racing season has kicked off in Ashgabat
25.03.2026The Ashgabat International Equestrian Complex opened the spring racing season with a festive event featuring performances by artistic groups, highlighting the special status of Ahal-Teke horses as a national treasure. This was reported by IIC of Turkmenistan. On the first day, ten races were held over distances ranging from 1,200 to 1,800 metres, featuring the finest representatives of the breed. The Ahal-Teke Horse Complex of the President of Turkmenistan emerged as the day’s leader. Competition came from racehorses belonging to the State Concern ‘Türkmenhimiýa’ and private enterprises. The highlight of the event was the awards ceremony for the winners. The races demonstrated the high skill of the jockeys and the excellent form of the Ahal-Teke horses, and the opening of the season promises to boost interest in Turkmen equestrian sport both within the country and abroad.
Kyrgyzstan invites Turkmen athletes to the World Nomad Games
25.03.2026Kyrgyzstan is looking forward to welcoming Turkmen athletes and guests to the 6th World Nomad Games, which will take place in the country from 31 August to 6 September. This was stated by Azizbek Madmarov, Ambassador of the Kyrgyz Republic to Turkmenistan, in an interview with the newspaper ‘Turkmenistan’, as reported by the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. The diplomat also congratulated the leadership and people of Turkmenistan on the holiday, noting the country’s achievements in strengthening independence and sustainable development. The Ambassador expressed his wishes for further progress and success. Previously, the 5th World Nomad Games took place in September 2024 in Astana, where the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, attended the opening ceremony.
The Turkmenistan junior team got off to a winning start in the Davis Cup
25.03.2026The Turkmenistan national team has won its first match in the preliminary round of the Davis Cup U16 Asia/Oceania Qualifying Tournament. The tournament is being held in Colombo. In a Group B match, the Turkmenistan team defeated Oman 3–0, reports IIC. Fifteen teams are taking part in the DCJ Asia/Oceania Pre-Qualifying tournament, divided into four groups. Turkmenistan, seeded sixth, is playing alongside the teams from Singapore, Myanmar and Oman. The top two teams from each group will advance to the play-offs. The Turkmenistan team comprises 14-year-olds Ali Geldiyev, Suleyman Hudayberdiyev and Kerimgeldi Guldurdyev. All three have international victories in the U14 category. The captain is coach Gurbanberdi Gurbanberdiyev. The match against Oman was decided in the singles: Ali Geldiyev defeated Mutaz Al Mazroui 6-1, 6-2, whilst Suleyman Hudayberdiyev beat Abdulrahman Al-rahbi 6-2, 6-0. In the doubles match, Geldiyev and Guldurdyev sealed the victory 6-3, 6-1. The Turkmenistan team will play their next match against Myanmar, who lost 1-2 to Singapore in the opening round. The Davis Cup Junior has been held since 1985. The tournament begins with regional qualifiers, and the winners advance to the final stage, where the title of the world’s strongest team among boys under 16 is contested.
Turkmenistan is developing training for badminton coaches
23.03.2026A badminton training seminar aimed at coaching development was held in Ashgabat. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The event was organised by the Badminton Asia Confederation and the Badminton Federation of Turkmenistan, with the participation of international experts. The seminar was attended by 24 instructors and coaches who had completed the ‘Shuttle Time’ programme. At the end of the nine-day course, participants were awarded international certificates. The second stage of the seminar is scheduled for April 2026. During the visit, the parties discussed the development of cooperation, including an invitation to a coach from Malaysia. The formation of national teams is planned to begin at the Turkmenistan Championships on 4–5 December in the U12, U15 and U18 categories.
Turkmen boxers performed well at an international tournament in Bangkok
20.03.2026Turkmenistan’s youth boxing team has returned to Ashgabat following a successful performance at the ‘2026 World Boxing Futures Cup’ International Tournament. This was reported by IIC. The competition took place in Bangkok from 8 to 15 March and attracted over 450 athletes from 78 countries. The tournament served as a qualifying round for the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Dakar. Amidst fierce competition among U19 boxers, bronze medals were won by Ismail Orazmyradov (up to 75 kg) and Soyunali Ovezgeldiyev (up to 90 kg). The athletes demonstrated a high level of technique and a will to win. The success in Thailand confirms the competitiveness of the Turkmen boxing school and the quality of training for the national team’s reserves. The results of the tournament open up prospects for young athletes to participate in the Youth Olympic Games and for further professional development.
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