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Young athletes from Turkmenistan performed successfully at the ATF tournament
26.01.2026Turkmen tennis players won silver at the ‘ATF Bahrain 14 & Under Category A’ international tournament in Isa Town (Bahrain). The competition was held under the auspices of the Asian Tennis Federation and brought together athletes from 17 countries, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. 12-year-old Sulgun Ishankuliyeva, paired with Jordanian A. Gokashau, took second place in the doubles. In the final, the duo lost to the Russian-Iranian pair S. Himmelreich / Aylin Mohammadian 3:6, 3:6. In the singles, the best result among Turkmen athletes was achieved by Nazli Hudaykuliyeva. She reached the semi-finals, where she lost to the tournament winner Mengxian Li (China) 1:6, 4:6. In the match for third place, Hudaykuliyeva lost to Chiho Shirai (Japan) 5:7, 2:6 and took fourth place. At the start of the tournament, Nazli Hudaykuliyeva was ranked 19th in the Asian junior rankings, and Sulgun Ishankuliyeva was ranked 52nd. After the points are calculated, Hudaykuliyeva is expected to enter the top ten in the region. The tournament is part of the ATF ranking series. Participation in such competitions gives a chance to qualify for the junior tournaments at Wimbledon and the Australian Open in 2027. The tennis players are coached by Yuri Rogussky, head coach of the Turkmenistan women's national team. In 2025, they won a place in the Asian final as part of the national team, defeating the Uzbekistan team at the U12 Central Asian Championship in Fergana.
German doctors receive awards on the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan's neutrality
26.01.2026A ceremony was held in Munich to honour German doctors who have been cooperating with the Turkmenistan healthcare system for more than 30 years. The event was held at the Bayerischer Hof hotel, according to IIC. The anniversary medals ‘Türkmenistanyň Bitaraplygynyň 30 ýyllygyna’ (‘30th Anniversary of Turkmenistan's Neutrality’) and commemorative silver badges were presented by the Ambassador of Turkmenistan to Germany, Berdimyrat Rejepov. Among those awarded were cardiac surgeon Johann Engelbert Meissner, as well as Klaus Georg Parhofer, Liesl Doris Häussermann-Mangold and Volkmar Jansson, leading specialists at the clinics of Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich. It was noted that the doctors had been involved in training Turkmen medical personnel and introducing modern technologies in new medical centres in Turkmenistan since the country's first years of independence. The Ambassador thanked the laureates for their contribution to the development of bilateral professional cooperation.
The Turkmenistan national team is preparing for the Ivan Yarygin Memorial Tournament in Krasnoyarsk
26.01.2026From 29 January to 1 February, Krasnoyarsk will host the 37th Ivan Yarygin International Freestyle Wrestling Tournament. Among the participants is the Turkmenistan national team, according to the news website Turkmenportal. Turkmen wrestler Alp Arslan Begenjov said that the team is preparing for the competition: about six athletes from the country will participate in the tournament. Begenjov is currently training in Dagestan with his compatriot Dovlet Myradov. The tournament in memory of two-time Olympic champion Yarygin has been held since 1990 (since 1991 in Krasnoyarsk) and is considered the second most important in Russia after the national championship. The results of the tournament are taken into account when forming the national team for the European Championship. Three-time Olympic champion Buvaisar Saitiev remains the record holder for the number of victories (6 wins), while Zaur Uguev has the best result among active wrestlers (5 wins). In 2026, athletes from more than 20 countries are expected to participate, including Turkmenistan, India, China, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and others. The competitions will be held in all major weight categories, and the opening ceremony will be held on 30 January.
Turkmen group ‘Galkynysh’ receives awards at Monte Carlo festival
26.01.2026From 16 to 25 January, Monte Carlo (Principality of Monaco) hosted the 48th International Circus Festival. The national equestrian games group ‘Galkynysh’ was awarded international certificates from the World Circus Federation and the European Circus Association for its contribution to the development of circus arts, reports AsmanNews. The ceremony was attended by Serdar Pygyev, the Head of the ‘Galkynysh’ Group of the Ahal-Teke Equestrian Complex of the President of Turkmenistan, and Serdar Gurbangulyev, the General Director of the State Circus of Turkmenistan. They represented Turkmenistan as guests of honour. The ‘Galkynysh’ group was created in 2007. It has repeatedly won international competitions, including festivals in Moscow, Latvia, China, Kyrgyzstan and St. Petersburg. The group performs numbers that combine trick riding, acrobatics, and elements of national equestrian traditions. Performances take place at international festivals and cultural events. The certificates received in Monaco are further confirmation of the international recognition of the ‘Galkynysh’ National Equestrian Games Group. The festival has been held since 1974 and is considered one of the leading international venues in the field of circus arts. It takes place annually in Monte Carlo.
The President of Turkmenistan congratulated the President of India on Republic Day
26.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov sent congratulations to President of the Republic of India Droupadi Murmu on the occasion of Republic Day. This was reported by TDH. In his message, the Head of State noted the importance of friendly relations between Turkmenistan and India and expressed confidence in their further development in the interests of the peoples of both countries. Serdar Berdimuhamedov also wished the President of India good health and well-being, and the people of the country peace and prosperity.
Digital transformation in Turkmenistan: innovations and prospects
26.01.2026During the years of independence, as part of the implementation of the Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy for 2019–2025, significant positive results have been achieved and consistent transformations have been carried out in various sectors of Turkmenistan. This was reported by the Orient news agency. The development of the digital economy has contributed not only to the expansion of the list of digital services and the introduction of innovative solutions, but also to the formation of a new level of digital culture, a deeper public understanding of modern technologies, and increased interest in technical innovations. In this regard, a new Concept for the Development of the Digital Economy of Turkmenistan for 2026-2028 was approved last year. The document aims to achieve high performance in the field of digitalisation, strengthen international cooperation, attract investment, and widely introduce e-government, artificial intelligence technologies, cloud and financial solutions, which should increase the country's competitiveness. Currently, the Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan is systematically working to introduce modern digital technologies, develop information and communication networks, improve ‘smart city’ systems, and modernise industry infrastructure.
Turkmenistan was represented at the ‘Maison & Objet’ and ‘Who's Next’ exhibitions in Paris
26.01.2026A group of Turkmen women entrepreneurs presented national products at the ‘Maison & Objet’ and ‘Who's Next’ international exhibitions in Paris. This was reported by the IIC. The visit was organised by the International Trade Centre with the support of the EU as part of a project to increase the sustainability of trade in Turkmenistan, which gave brands the chance to promote themselves at leading creative industry venues. The delegation included representatives from the ‘Binaym’, ‘Shekil Studio/Ensi’, ‘AYM’ sewing workshops and studios and the ‘Unique Camel Wool’ brand. The participants showed their collections and studied international export standards, including packaging and certification, and held negotiations with potential partners and experts to assess their competitiveness in the European market. The brand founders noted that participating in exhibitions provided valuable experience in marketing and product presentation, allowing them to better adapt their products to global standards. The project continues to support small and medium-sized businesses in Turkmenistan, opening up new opportunities for entering the global market.
Winners of the ‘Green Energy – Bright Future’ competition were awarded in Ashgabat
26.01.2026On 23 January, a round table discussion and award ceremony for the winners of the ‘Green Energy – Bright Future’ competition, organised by the State Concern ‘Türkmengaz’, the newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’, the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the online newspaper ‘Ussatnews’. This was reported by the online newspaper ‘Nebit-Gaz’. The competition, which started in May 2025, was dedicated to promoting renewable energy, energy efficiency and ‘green’ projects in Turkmenistan. Participants sent dozens of articles from different regions of the country, discussing the rational use of resources, the introduction of modern technologies and sustainable development, based on the ideas of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on scientific and technical reforms and progress. The authors who took first place received certificates for an introductory trip to Europe as part of the EU project on the ‘green’ development of Turkmenistan; the winners of second and third places received commemorative gifts. Dr. Karolina Milov (GIZ) noted the active participation of young people and specialists and emphasised the importance of the competition for the exchange of experience and support for the country's environmental strategy.
Uzbek confectionery chain ‘Safia’ intends to enter the Turkmenistan market
26.01.2026The Uzbek confectionery chain ‘Safia’ is considering entering the Turkmenistan market. This was announced by the company's co-founder Bekzod Samigjanov during an open dialogue between ambassadors and business representatives, which was held on Wednesday in Tashkent, according to the online publication ‘Business Turkmenistan’. Samigjanov noted that ‘Safia’ already operates in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan and plans to expand further beyond Uzbekistan. He named the markets of Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan as priority areas for development. The chain currently has about ten outlets in the Kazakh market. According to the co-founder, ‘Safia’s confectionery exports reached $7-8 million over the year. ‘Safia’ was founded in 2001 and currently has more than 145 branches.
A series of international Olympiads will be held at universities in Turkmenistan
26.01.2026Deputy Chairwoman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Bayramgul Orazdurdyeva reported on 23 January during a government meeting on preparations for international Olympiads to be held in March at a number of the country's universities. This was reported by the state news agency TDH. The programme includes the 5th Open International Internet Olympiad on ‘Strength of Materials’, the 6th International Mathematical Olympiad and the 5th Internet Olympiad on ‘Theoretical Mechanics’. Representatives of leading foreign universities are expected to participate. The Olympiads are aimed at identifying talented young people and developing international scientific cooperation. After hearing the report, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov approved the proposal and instructed to ensure the holding of the events.
Ashgabat discusses updating reproductive health measures
25.01.2026From 21 to 23 January, a national seminar on crisis preparedness was held in Ashgabat. It was organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Representative Office. The topic was the updating of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) on reproductive health, according to AsmanNews. The seminar was a practical step in the implementation of the UNFPA Country Programme for 2026-2030. Representatives of the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry, defence and law enforcement agencies, as well as the National Red Crescent Society participated in the seminar, which was led by UNFPA international expert Heather Lorenzen. Participants assessed national capacity and finalised the MISP plan. It includes coordination and financing mechanisms. The discussion focused on public access to medical care and the protection of women's and young people's rights in crisis situations. Following the meeting, a unified strategy for the application of the MISP was formed. The national action plan defines the roles of all parties and provides for monitoring and rapid response systems.
New directions for technological development identified in Turkmenistan
25.01.2026President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov outlined new directions for the country's technological development at a Cabinet meeting on the digital system. One of the key topics was the formation of an approach to the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, according to the publication ‘Turkmenistan: Golden age’. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammethan Chakyev presented proposals for the development of the digital economy, including the creation of a regulatory framework for AI. It is reported that Turkmenistan plans to develop rules for the use of AI and define the responsibilities of the parties. It is also planned to consolidate the powers of state bodies and approve national standards and technical regulations for innovative products. The President noted that work is continuing in the country to develop the digital economy and introduce its tools. In this context, he emphasised the importance of developing AI and international cooperation. The Head of State approved the proposals and instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to organise their implementation.
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