Sport
Turkmenistan discusses the development of women’s sport and youth initiatives
03.05.2026A two-day seminar was held in Ashgabat to review the results of the pilot programme ‘Youth, Sport and Gender Equality’. This was reported by the IIIC. The event was organised by the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sport and UNFPA. The seminar was attended by representatives of government bodies, coaches and volunteers from all regions of the country. Participants discussed the results of projects implemented in five velayats and the capital, aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and increasing the participation of girls and women in sport. Particular attention was paid to the influence of social stereotypes on young people’s engagement in physical activity. Following the seminar, recommendations were put forward on integrating the programme’s methodologies into the school education system, which should contribute to the development of young people and ensure equal opportunities in sport across the country.
Beijing hosted a cycle ride as part of Turkmenistan’s National Health Month
30.04.2026On 29 April in Beijing, the Embassy of Turkmenistan in the People’s Republic of China organised a cycle ride to mark National Health Month. This was reported by the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. The event was attended by embassy diplomats, as well as young people from Turkmenistan and China. It was co-organised by the Chinese cycling association ‘Flying Pigeon’, the ‘China-Turkmenistan Cultural Centre’ and the bicycle manufacturer ‘Flying Pigeon’. The cycle ride was held under the slogan ‘Friendship between China and Turkmenistan, low-carbon health and youthful spirit’. The start and finish took place at the Turkmenistan National Pavilion, with the route running through the streets of the Dongjimen district.
The Turkmenistan junior national team is preparing for the World Weightlifting Championships in Egypt
28.04.2026Turkmenistan’s junior weightlifting team has completed its preparations for the World Championships, which will take place from 2 to 8 May in Ismailia, Egypt. The coaching staff has finalised the team line-up, comprising nine athletes—five women and four men, according to the IIC of Turkmenistan. The women’s squad comprises Ogulshat Amanova and Shabnam Kerimbayeva (up to 53 kg), Medine Amanova (up to 63 kg), Asal Kerimbayeva (up to 77 kg) and Anamjan Rustamova (up to 86 kg). The men’s team will feature Didarbek Jumabayev (up to 79 kg), Islam Akmyradov (up to 94 kg), Suleyman Jafarov (up to 110 kg) and Saparbay Atajanov (over 110 kg). The tournament will serve as an important step in gaining international experience for the young athletes and an opportunity to strengthen Turkmenistan’s position in the IWF rankings. Experts note the balanced composition of the team and anticipate competitive performances, personal bests and a fight for medals.
The Turkmen women's handball team have reached the semi-finals of the Asian Beach Games in China
28.04.2026The Turkmenistan women’s beach handball team has reached the semi-finals of the 6th Asian Beach Games, currently being held in the Chinese city of Sanya, after finishing second in Group B. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. In the group stage, the team began with a victory over Sri Lanka (2–0), then lost to China (0–2) and, in the decisive match, beat Mongolia (2–1), clinching victory in a penalty shoot-out. With two wins from three matches, the Turkmen athletes have progressed to the play-offs. In the semi-final on 28 April, they will face the winners of Group A – the Vietnamese national team. The second semi-final will see China take on Thailand. The team is led by coaches Gulendam Narbayeva and Marina Divanova. The Games in Sanya are taking place from 22 to 30 April and feature 14 sports with 63 sets of medals up for grabs.
A three-stage show jumping cup was held at the Ashgabat equestrian arena
23.04.2026Show jumping competitions dedicated to the National Day of the Turkmen Horse were held in the open arena of the Ashgabat Equestrian Complex. Ten riders from three organisations took part in the competition: the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan, the Equestrian Sports Federation of Turkmenistan and the National Equestrian Sports Centre. This was reported by IIC. The competition took place in three stages. In the first stage, the riders cleared 12 obstacles 110 cm high; in the second, 15 barriers 120 cm high. In the final, the participants cleared five obstacles 130 cm high at speed. The winner was Mergen Gurbanlyev on his horse Gudratly, who cleared all the obstacles flawlessly. The prize-giving ceremony will take place on 26 April as part of the celebrations marking the National Day of the Turkmen Horse.
Arkadag city has announced the results of the tournament held as part of the ‘Football for Schools’ programme
23.04.2026The closing ceremony of a school football tournament, held as part of the Turkmenistan Football Federation’s ‘Football for Schools’ programme, took place in the city of Arkadag. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The competition was held under the slogan of school unity and strengthening friendship through sport, and was organised jointly by the departments of education, physical culture and sport of the city of Arkadag, as well as the city council of the Magtymguly Youth Organisation of Turkmenistan. The award ceremony for the winners took place at the Second Secondary School with an in-depth English language programme. The young athletes were presented with trophies and commemorative prizes, and players from FC ‘Arkadag’ took part in the ceremony. The tournament was timed to coincide with April and World Health Day, and the organisers highlighted its social significance in bringing young people together.
The Turkmenistan women's team will take part in the Asian Beach Games in China
21.04.2026The Turkmenistan women’s beach handball team will compete at the 6th Asian Beach Games, which will take place from 22 to 30 April in the Chinese city of Sanya. This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. The competition programme includes 14 sports, including beach versions of handball, football and volleyball, as well as jiu-jitsu, rock climbing and sailing. Athletes from 45 countries will take part. The Asian Beach Games have been held every two years since 2008, and Sanya will be the second Chinese city to host the tournament.
Turkmen and Uzbek tennis players took part in the ‘Friendship Tournaments’
21.04.2026A friendly tournament, the ‘Friendship Tournaments’, was held between the youth teams of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, marking a significant event in the sporting calendars of both countries. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The tournament was exceptionally well organised and brought together participants from various age groups. Pupils from the tennis section of the ‘Jahan’ Centre performed strongly, winning the majority of the awards. Among players born in 2015 and younger, Medine Atayeva emerged victorious. In the same category for boys, the entire podium was taken by representatives of the centre: gold went to Miguel Azizov, silver to Aslan Suleymanov, and bronze to Emir Aliyev. In the senior group for girls, Amina Bikbulatova came out on top. The athletes’ success was the result of systematic training under the guidance of coaches Jennet Hallyeva and Azat Charyev, and also confirmed the development of the Turkmen tennis school and the strengthening of sporting ties between the two countries.
Turkmen wrestlers won 13 medals at an international tournament in Bucharest
21.04.2026Young wrestlers from Turkmenistan performed successfully at the international freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling tournament held in memory of Constantin Alexandru and Ioan Popoviciu, which took place from 16 to 19 April in Bucharest. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The national team won 13 medals and demonstrated a high level of preparation. In freestyle wrestling, the team took first place in the team standings, winning 3 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals. The winners were Hemra Halmyradov, Iskender Hudayberdiyev and Sakhatpas Esgerov. In Greco-Roman wrestling, the Turkmen athletes took third place, adding 4 medals to their tally, including a gold for Rejep Jorayev. This performance confirmed the effectiveness of the country’s sports development programme and marked an important stage in preparing young athletes for future international competitions.
Ashgabat hosted a session of the FIFA's ‘Football for Schools’ project
18.04.2026A training session was held in Ashgabat on the main pitch of the ‘Ashgabat’ Multifunctional Stadium as part of the international FIFA's ‘Football for Schools’ initiative. This was reported by the IIC of Turkmenistan. The project is being implemented by the Football Federation of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Education. It aims to develop sport for children and young people and to introduce football into the school curriculum. The session was attended by representatives of the relevant federation, PE teachers from all regions of the country and young footballers from leading clubs. The highlight was a masterclass featuring the renowned footballer Hristo Stoichkov, who arrived in Ashgabat as part of a delegation of FIFA experts. He presented practical and theoretical recommendations, demonstrated tactical formations and the basic elements of preparation for professional-level matches. A separate session was held for teachers. They were shown FIFA’s modern methods for developing playing skills and leadership qualities in schoolchildren. The FIFA's ‘Football for Schools’ programme aims to identify talent, strengthen social ties and promote team sports. Lessons on the rules of the game and discipline are provided for students. The initiative is expected to influence the physical education system and support the development of football in the country.
Turkmen fighter Yagshymuradov defeated Tyson Pedro in Belfast
17.04.2026Turkmen mixed martial arts fighter Dovletjan Yagshymuradov secured a victory over Frenchman Tyson Pedro at the PFL tournament held in Belfast (Northern Ireland). This was reported by IIC. The bout marked the athlete’s latest appearance on the international stage. In October 2025, at the PFL Road to Dubai tournament, Yagshymuradov lost to American Corey Anderson by judges’ decision. The victory in Belfast allowed him to bounce back from that defeat. Yagshymuradov’s professional record stands at 26 wins, 8 losses and 1 draw. For Tyson Pedro, this fight was his first since March 2024. On that occasion, he lost to Brazilian Vitor Petrino at UFC Fight Night 238. He has 10 wins and 6 losses to his name. The result of the fight has strengthened Yagshymuradov’s position in mixed martial arts.
Stoichkov highlighted Turkmenistan’s contribution to the development of the FIFA initiative
15.04.2026Hristo Stoichkov, winner of the 1994 Ballon d’Or, visited Turkmenistan to learn about FIFA’s ‘Football for Schools’ programme. This was reported by Turkmenportal. According to him, the initiative continues to grow, expanding children’s access to football. It is also used as a tool for developing education, teamwork and life skills. Stoichkov noted the level of implementation of the project in Turkmenistan and thanked the Football Federation of Turkmenistan for their hospitality. Hristo Stoichkov is one of Bulgaria’s most decorated footballers. Over the years, he played for ‘Barcelona’ and ‘Parma’. His honours include victories in the European Cup and the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, as well as four Spanish league titles. FIFA’s ‘Football for Schools’ programme aims to promote football among children and young people and to develop social skills through sport.
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