Sport
The Taekwondo tournament for the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Cup has concluded in Ashgabat
15.06.2026The final bouts and the closing ceremony of the 14th annual Taekwondo (WT) tournament for the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Cup in Turkmenistan were held at the Martial Arts Sports Complex in the capital’s Olympic City. The competition took place on 13–14 June 2026 and was organized by the National Taekwondo Center in cooperation with the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Korea, according to the IIC. The tournament has been held since 2010. This year, more than 110 athletes participated, including children, cadets, and juniors from the capital and all five regions of the country. The competition was held in the Kyorugi (sparring) discipline. Medals were awarded across 25 weight categories in both individual and team events. The final day concluded with intense bouts, during which the athletes demonstrated their training level and competitiveness in their respective categories. As part of the closing ceremony, the importance of such tournaments in promoting a healthy lifestyle among young people and developing the country’s sports reserve was emphasized. The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, Lee Won-jae, presented medals to the winners and prize-winners. Athletes also received diplomas and commemorative gifts from the organizers. Based on the results of the competition, the best teams in the overall standings were identified and awarded tournament cups.
Turkmenistan highlights the importance of sports diplomacy at the opening ceremony of the UN Games
15.06.2026The Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations, Vepa Hajiyev, spoke at the opening ceremony of the 2026 United Nations Games, held on 12 June in a virtual format. This was reported by the press service of the Permanent Mission of Turkmenistan to the UN. V. Hajiyev noted the growing role of sport in strengthening friendship, trust and mutual understanding between peoples. Representatives of UN member states, the Organization’s Secretariat and specialized agencies took part in the event. The ceremony officially launched the third UN Games — an initiative established by the General Assembly in resolution 78/325 at the proposal of Turkmenistan. The Games are seen as a platform for developing sports diplomacy, strengthening peace and international cooperation. Assistant Secretary-General of the UN and Executive Director of the Pension Administration, Rosemary McClean, also addressed the participants. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of sport in promoting inclusivity, well-being and solidarity within the UN community. As part of the ceremony, a video presentation was shown highlighting the results of the 2025 Games. More than 800 athletes from over 100 countries and organizations participated in those competitions, which featured ten sports disciplines. The 2026 Games program includes competitions in football, basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, badminton, pickleball, chess, running and yoga. The tournament provides diplomats, international staff and their families with an opportunity to interact through sport and strengthen interpersonal ties. The closing ceremony and award presentation for the winners of the 2026 UN Games are scheduled for 17 July and will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Head of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan attends the World Cup opening ceremony
14.06.2026The head of the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, Guvanchmuhammed Ovekov, attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the invitation of FIFA. The tournament kicked off on June 11 at the “Azteca” stadium with a match between the national teams of Mexico and South Africa, according to the news website Turkmenportal. As part of the opening ceremony, a colorful show featuring local and international artists was held. The highlight of the event was FIFA President Gianni Infantino appearing with the World Cup trophy. Before the match, flags of FIFA member countries were raised at the stadium, including the flag of Turkmenistan. The Turkmenistan national team failed to qualify for the final stage of the tournament, ending its campaign in the second round of the Asian qualifiers. The World Cup, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will conclude on July 19. For the first time in history, 48 teams are participating in the tournament.
A Taekwondo tournament is taking place in the capital of Turkmenistan
14.06.2026The 22nd traditional Taekwondo tournament began in Ashgabat on June 13. It is organized by the National Taekwondo Center of Turkmenistan and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea. The competitions are being held at the Martial Arts Center in the Olympic Complex, according to the IIC. More than 110 athletes from Ashgabat and all five regions (velayats) of the country are taking part in the tournament, which will last until June 14. Medals are contested in individual and team standings across 25 weight categories among children, cadets, and juniors. The program includes kyorugi sparring events. At the opening ceremony, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, Lee Won-jae, delivered a speech. He emphasized the importance of Taekwondo in fostering discipline and respect, as well as the role of the tournament in strengthening cultural exchange between the two countries. The tournament has been held since 2010 and aims to improve the sporting skills of participants and strengthen Turkmen-Korean relations. Winners in the team standings and individual weight categories will be determined following the final matches on June 14.
Turkmen U20 football team to begin fight for a spot at the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup
10.06.2026The Turkmenistan youth national team (U20) will play against Iraq, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates in the qualification tournament for the 2027 AFC U20 Asian Cup. The draw results were announced at the headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation in Kuala Lumpur. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The Turkmen team has been placed in Group F. Matches will be held in Thailand in a round-robin format. The qualification stage will take place from August 25 to September 6, 2026. A total of 32 teams will take part, divided into eight groups. Group winners and the seven best second-placed teams will qualify for the final tournament. The AFC U20 Asian Cup will be held in a new format for the first time, introducing a two-tier system with promotion and relegation. Teams finishing last in their groups will move down to the Development Division in the next edition. The final tournament will take place in China from March 24 to April 10, 2027. The Turkmenistan squad is being prepared by a coaching staff led by Didar Hajiyev, with assistants Dayanch Karadzhayev and goalkeeping coach Saparmurat Ovezov.
Turkmen chess players win four medals at Turkic countries tournaments
09.06.2026Turkmen chess players won four individual medals at international tournaments of Turkic countries held in Astana at the Kazakh National University of Sports. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The capital of Kazakhstan hosted the first team championship of Turkic countries among men and women, as well as a youth chess Olympiad for players under 16. Teams from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan took part in the competitions. The bronze medal in the men’s tournament on the first board was won by Grandmaster Saparmurat Atabayev. The women’s national team of Turkmenistan added two more medals to its tally: Dzhehan Rejepova became a silver medalist on the third board, while Lala Shohradova earned bronze on the first board. Another bronze medal for Turkmenistan was won by Dilber Khupbyeva, who performed successfully on the fourth board of the youth Olympiad. In the team standings, the women’s national team of Turkmenistan, with six points, finished among the top five teams of the tournament. The winner was Azerbaijan, second place went to Kazakhstan-1, and third to Uzbekistan. In the youth tournament (under 16), the prize places were taken by the Azerbaijan team and two teams from Kazakhstan.
Ashgabat hosts the second stage of the AFC course for football managers
04.06.2026The second stage of a professional development program for football managers has begun in the conference hall of the “Yyldyz” hotel in Ashgabat. The training is organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in cooperation with the Football Federation of Turkmenistan, according to the IIC. The course is focused on studying modern approaches to football management, introducing international experience, and improving efficiency in sports administration. The sessions are held in a blended format and include both theoretical lectures and practical training sessions led by AFC international instructors. The program involves 29 specialists from Turkmenistan. The project aims to develop the country’s football management system and raise the professional level of sports personnel.
Young tennis player from Turkmenistan wins two gold medals in Aktobe
03.06.2026Young tennis player from Turkmenistan, Alikhan Nuryagdyyev, won two gold medals at the international tournament “Aktobe Masters 10&Under GA Road to TOP 8,” held from May 25 to May 30 in Aktobe, Kazakhstan. This was reported by the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”. The competition featured 96 boys and girls under the age of 10, representing various countries and regions. Despite his age and strong competition, the 8-year-old athlete demonstrated consistent performance in both singles and doubles events. In the singles category, Nuryagdyyev, seeded 60th, reached the final and defeated Kazakhstan’s G. Istomin with a score of 4:1, 4:2. In doubles, he partnered with Navid Sabirov from Atyrau and also secured a gold medal. This was the athlete’s first tournament of this level. He showed confident technique and composure on court, which was noted by coaches and organizers. Alikhan Nuryagdyyev represents Ashgabat. He trains under Yuri Rogussky and Meilis Orazmukhammedov. He also studies at the A.S. Pushkin Joint Turkmen-Russian Secondary School and holds a commendation sheet for excellent academic performance. Previously, he had already competed in children’s tournaments in Turkmenistan and became a prize winner among athletes under 8 years old. The victory in Aktobe became a notable achievement for the young athlete and for Turkmen tennis as a whole.
Turkmenistan Consulate Holds Bicycle Ride in Astrakhan
03.06.2026On May 31, the Consulate of Turkmenistan in the Russian Federation (Astrakhan) organized a bicycle ride dedicated to World Bicycle Day. This was reported by the IIC. The holiday, established by the United Nations at the initiative of Turkmenistan in 2018, symbolizes commitment to a healthy lifestyle, environmental values, and international solidarity. The event started on the Volga River embankment. It brought together consulate staff and Turkmen students studying at universities in Astrakhan. The initiative, combining both sporting and cultural elements, was held within the framework of Turkmenistan’s 2026 national motto and aimed at strengthening friendly and good-neighborly relations. The bicycle ride concluded in a festive atmosphere, leaving participants with positive impressions.
Turkmenistan will be represented at an international chess tournament in Kazakhstan
02.06.2026The national chess team of Turkmenistan will take part in the international tournament “Vladimir Dvorkovich Memorial – Aktobe Open 2026,” which will be held from June 3 to 11 in Aktobe (Kazakhstan). This was reported by the news website Turkmenportal. Players from 21 countries will compete in the “Masters” and “Open” sections, including 23 grandmasters. The total prize fund amounts to 100,000 US dollars. The tournament is part of the team’s preparation for the 46th World Chess Olympiad, scheduled for September in Samarkand. Previously, the national team held training camps in Kokshetau (May 18 – June 2) at the invitation of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. Under the guidance of grandmaster Alexander Rakhmanov, training sessions lasted 6–7 hours daily and focused on strategy, team play, and psychological preparation. After returning to Ashgabat, cooperation will continue in the form of online training sessions with the same specialist.
Turkmen Wrestler Wins Bronze at Asian U17 Wrestling Championships
02.06.2026Turkmen freestyle wrestler Shaapbas Esgerov won a bronze medal at the Asian U17 Wrestling Championships held in Da Nang, Vietnam. Competing in the 80 kg weight category, Esgerov secured a place on the podium, according to Turkmenportal. In the bronze-medal match, Esgerov confidently defeated Japan’s Yusei Nagata by a score of 9–3. The gold medal in this weight class was won by Iran’s Amirali Mohammad Ferasati, who dominated India’s Mandeep in the final with a 10–0 victory. The second bronze medal went to Kazakhstan’s Adilbek Erbolatov, who defeated Tajikistan’s Nasim Khodjaev 12–1. A total of 10 athletes represented Turkmenistan at the championships: six competed in freestyle wrestling and four in Greco-Roman wrestling.
Turkmenistan U-20 national team learned its opponents for the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers
31.05.2026The Turkmenistan U-20 national football team has learned its opponents for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualification tournament. According to the draw held at the headquarters of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in Kuala Lumpur, the team has been placed in the same group with Iraq, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates. This was reported by Turkmenportal. The final stage of the tournament will take place in China. The qualification matches are scheduled from 25 August to 6 September 2026. Group F matches will be hosted by Thailand. The winners of eight groups, as well as the seven best second-placed teams, will advance to the final stage. The Turkmenistan team, led by head coach Didar Khadzhiev, will play three matches: against Iraq on 31 August, against Thailand on 3 September, and against the UAE on 6 September. It should be noted that in May this year, the U-20 team finished fourth at the Central Asian Championship in Tajikistan. Uzbekistan won the tournament, Kyrgyzstan took silver, and Tajikistan earned bronze.
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