The volleyball tournament "Sport - Messenger of Peace" among higher education institutions, dedicated to World Health Day, was held in Ashgabat from April 1 to 8.

The Nebitchi volleyball team of the Yagshygeldy Kakayev International Oil and Gas University won confident victories in all their matches with a score of 3-0. The volleyball players were able to reach the final of the tournament, successively defeating the Binagar, Oguz Khan and Yupek Yoly teams.

In the final match, the Nebitchi volleyball players won a confident victory over the Talyp Sport team of the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Education and Sports with a score of 3:0, winning the championship title of the tournament.

A delegation from Turkmenistan participated in the second phase of the Regional Forum of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and Olympic Solidarity (OS), which took place in Dushanbe.

The event convened representatives from the National Olympic Committees (NOCs) of over 22 West and Central Asian nations to discuss matters concerning the hosting of the 3rd Asian Youth Games in Bahrain in 2025, the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games to be held in Riyadh in 2026, and the XX Summer Asian Games scheduled for 2026 in the Japanese cities of Aichi and Nagoya.

Participants also deliberated on the programs of the International Olympic Committee and the preparation of athletes for the XXXIV Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.

At the opening ceremony, the Minister of Sport of Tajikistan, Zulfikor Gulahmadzoda, delivered a speech expressing confidence that the outcomes of this forum would lay a solid foundation for new achievements and fruitful cooperation within the Olympic Movement.

Within the framework of the forum, a "Fun Run" was organized to promote a healthy lifestyle, popularize sports, and strengthen friendship among the participating delegations of this significant international event.

The first phase of the forum was held in Thimphu, Bhutan, with the participation of representatives from the NOCs of East, South, and Southeast Asia.

The champion of Turkmenistan, the Arkadag football club, lost away to Kuwaiti Al-Arabi in the first semi-final match of the AFC Challenge League.

The match, which took place in Kuwait City, ended with a score of 2:0 in favor of the home team. Christopher John (72nd minute) and Salman Al Awali (90+4) scored for the winners.

The return match will take place in Arkadag on April 16.

Recall that on the way to the semi-finals, the Turkmen club confidently overcame the quarter-final barrier, beating Indian East Bengal with a total score of 3:1. Al-Arabi made it to the semi-finals, beating Oman's Al-Seeb with a total score of 3:2.

The Turkmen football club Arkadag will play the first semi-final match of the AFC Challenge League against the local club Al-Arabi on April 9 in Kuwait City.

The teams have already met in the group stage of the current AFC Challenge League. The match, which took place on November 1, 2024 in Kuwait City, ended with a victory for the hosts with a score of 3:2.

On the way to the semi-finals, the Turkmen club confidently overcame the quarter-final barrier, beating the Indian East Bengal with a total score of 3:1. In the first meeting in Kolkata, Vladimir Bayramov's team won with a score of 1:0, and in the return match at the home stadium in the city of Arkadag, they won with a score of 2:1.

Al Arabi advanced to the semi-finals by beating Omani club Al Seeb 3-2 on aggregate.

The other East Zone semi-final will feature Preah Khan Rich Svay Rieng (Cambodia) and Madura United (Indonesia) on April 10.

The second leg of the Challenge League semi-finals will be held in Turkmenistan on April 16 and in Indonesia on April 17. The final of Asia's third-largest club tournament is scheduled for May 10, 2025.

Washington Capitals forward, Russian Alexander Ovechkin surpassed the legendary sniper record of Canadian hockey player Wayne Gretzky, scoring his 895th goal in the regular championships of the National Hockey League (NHL).

This happened in an away game with the New York Islanders on Sunday. Thus, Ovechkin set a new record.

The famous Canadian forward Wayne Gretzky, nicknamed The Great One, scored his last, 894th goal in the regular championships in 1999. For 26 years, no one could come close to his historical record, which was called “eternal”.

However, on April 5, 2025, Ovechkin managed to score the 894th puck and catch up with Gretzky in the number of goals in the regular championships of the NHL.

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov personally led a mass bike ride in Ashgabat, dedicated to World Health Day. The event started in the southern part of the capital, at the foot of the Kopetdag Mountains, where the Health Trail begins, and ended in the city center near the Ruhiyet Palace, TDH reports.

Members of the government, leaders of the Mejlis, representatives of the diplomatic corps, as well as athletes, students and schoolchildren took part in the large-scale sports and health event.

During the bike ride, the head of state gave a number of instructions to the deputy chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers. In particular, Deputy Prime Minister Tangryguly Atakhalliyev was instructed to ensure control over the implementation of the National Forestry Program, and Deputy Prime Minister Baimyrat Annamammedov was instructed to keep special control over the improvement and landscaping of the capital.

The route of the bike ride ran along the main avenues of white marble Ashgabat - Archabil and Bitarap Turkmenistan. Creative groups performed along the route, creating a festive atmosphere.

At the end of the event, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need to further involve the population, especially young people, in regular sports and strengthen the principles of a healthy lifestyle in society.

Similar bike rides were held in the city of Arkadag and in all velayats of Turkmenistan. In addition, from April 1 to 7, various thematic events were organized throughout the country, including conferences, exhibitions, educational events and sports competitions.

On April 4, the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports held an international scientific and practical conference in digital format entitled "Sport is the Ambassador of Peace". The conference was actively attended by representatives of science and education, as well as sports from Uzbekistan, the Republic of Turkey, the Russian Federation, the United States of America, Romania, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Belarus, Azerbaijan, the Kyrgyz Republic and Armenia, as well as specialists, teachers, scientists and coaches from Turkmenistan.

Within the framework of the conference in digital format, the heads, faculty of higher educational institutions of foreign countries, research institutions in the field of sports, specialists in the field of physical culture and sports, students, as well as representatives of the management of the International Association of Universities of Physical Culture and Sports and the Eurasian Association of Sports Sciences spoke.

Also, within the framework of the international conference in digital format, a master class "Inclusive Hockey" was held by the representative of the Federation of Adaptive Hockey of the Russian Federation Anton Politov. Then the master class continued under the theme "Sports for All", during which question-and-answer discussions, interactive meetings and training sessions were organized.

As part of the international conference and training events entitled "Sports - Ambassador of Peace", a special exhibition was organized reflecting the development of the sports sector, the achievements, innovative approaches in various areas of sports, as well as the activities of the scientific and methodological center "Olimp" of the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports and scientific circles. This digital exhibition attracted the attention of foreign conference participants.

In addition, mass sports events entitled "Sports - Ambassador of Peace" were widely organized at the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports in cooperation with the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sports, the Ministry of Education of Turkmenistan, the Central Council of the Youth Organization named after Makhtumkuli and the National Federation of Student Sports of Turkmenistan.

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated his compatriots on World Health Day, TDH reports.

"World Health Day occupies a special place in the national calendar, affirming the high ideals of friendship and peace, sports and humanism and symbolizing the unity and cohesion of society. Therefore, on warm days of spring, this holiday is widely and with great enthusiasm celebrated in our beloved Fatherland. Holding mass physical education, sports and cultural events in honor of Health Day, promoting a healthy lifestyle, further strengthens the authority of our independent state as a country of health and spirituality.

In the era of the Revival of a new era of a powerful state, organizing events on the occasion of World Health Day, bike rides with the participation of schoolchildren, students of vocational schools, employees of ministries and departments, as well as competitions in various sports increase our pride in our independent neutral state, confidently moving to new heights of progress.

Dear people!

The socio-economic power and cultural development of our sovereign state are directly related to the happiness and well-being of the people, the health of society and the harmonious physical and spiritual improvement of generations. Guided by the high principles of "The state is for the people!", "The Motherland is the Motherland only with the people! The state is the state only with the people!", in accordance with our policy, we are implementing large-scale reforms in all sectors of the economy, in the fields of science, education, health care, sports, culture and tourism. We attach particular importance to the development of the physical culture and Olympic movement, sports. We are successfully implementing national programs and comprehensive reforms in this direction, worthily continuing the age-old traditions of our people, namely the education of a physically and spiritually healthy generation. In a short period of time, large sports and equestrian complexes, stadiums, sports schools, an Olympic village that meet international standards have been built and put into operation in our beloved country, and a modern specialized infrastructure has been formed. Together, we have made great progress in creating an advanced healthcare system that meets international standards, including medical centers, specialized hospitals and sanatoriums equipped with innovative technologies in our capital Ashgabat, the city of Arkadag and provincial centers, in the name of peace and happiness of our people.

As a member of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, our country also makes a worthy contribution to the development of the international Olympic movement. Using its sports capabilities in the interests of peace and friendship, Turkmenistan is systematically strengthening cooperation with the world community. The V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, the International Rally "Amul-Khazar 2018", the World Weightlifting and Kurash Championships, international hockey and tennis competitions have demonstrated to the whole world that our beloved Motherland, confidently following the path of peace, creation and development, has enormous sports potential.

As a result of the strategically verified state policy formed by Hero Arkadag, on the initiative of our neutral country, the General Assembly of the United Nations unanimously adopted resolutions declaring June 3 as World Bicycle Day and "Integration of mass cycling into public transport systems to achieve sustainable development", which inspired our people, especially the younger generation.

All these achievements, of course, are a positive result of a peaceful, neutral, good-neighborly policy in the interests of universal peace, well-being and prosperity, successfully carried out by our independent neutral state, advocating for the consolidation of efforts to strengthen peace and unity on the planet," the message of the President of Turkmenistan says.

Several countries are bidding to host the XXXVI Summer Olympic Games in 2036, among which are India, Turkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Poland, and South Korea.

India is considering New Delhi and Agra as its primary candidate cities. Turkiye is also actively promoting its bid, proposing Istanbul as the host city. Egypt plans to construct a dedicated Olympic village near Cairo.

The final decision regarding the host city of the Olympic Games will be made by the International Olympic Committee in 2026, which adds intrigue to the competition for the right to host this significant sporting event.

From April 2nd to 10th, Almaty will host the Asian Zone 3.4 Championship, which serves as a qualifying tournament for the Chess World Cup 2025. Participants from six nations will compete in the event: Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and the host country, Kazakhstan.

A total of 134 participants are registered for the tournament, comprising 88 men and 46 women. The chess players will vie for three qualification spots for the Women's World Cup, scheduled to take place from July 5th to 29th in Batumi, Georgia, and for four qualification spots for the Men's World Cup, which will be held from November 1st to 26th in New Delhi, India.

The Turkmen national team, led by Mergen Kakabayev and Serdar Annaberdiyev, is represented by 11 players at the tournament – 5 in the open category and 5 among women. The delegation includes the country's strongest chess players, notably International Master Saparmyrat Atabayev (rated 2530 as of April 1st), who is awaiting confirmation of his Grandmaster title at the upcoming FIDE Presidential Board meeting, as well as Grandmaster Meylis Annaberdiyev (rated 2449) and FIDE Master among women Lala Shohradowa (2144).

In addition to them, Vepaly Halynyazov (2224, Master of Sports), Amanmuhammet Hommadov (2262, Master of Sports), and Shahruh Turayev (2164, Candidate Master of Sports) will play for Turkmenistan in the open category. Among the women are Candidate Master Leyla Shohradowa (2023, WCM), Bagul Ezizova (1941, WCM), Ogulsuray Bayrambayeva (1889, Candidate Master of Sports), and Jahan Rejepova (2017, 1st category).

The tournament's prize fund amounts to $20,000, which will be divided equally between the men's and women's sections. The winners will each receive $3,000, second place finishers $2,500, third place $1,500, fourth place $1,200, fifth place $1,000, and sixth place $800.

This championship is also noteworthy as it marks the first time a representative from Turkmenistan – the Chairman of the Chess Federation of the country, Vepa Malikgulyyev – has been included in the Appeals Committee of a prestigious official tournament. He joins two other colleagues: the General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation, Hisham Al Taher (UAE), and international arbiter from Kazakhstan, Alexander Babenko. Such a role is typically entrusted to individuals with impeccable reputations, capable of objectively and impartially adjudicating the most complex contentious situations that may potentially arise during high-level competitions.

On March 29, Kyiv hosted the international mixed martial arts tournament World Warriors Fighting Championship 24 (WWFC 24) as part of the new season of the WWFC League. MMA fighters from Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Moldova met in the octagon, the press service of the Embassy of Turkmenistan in Kyiv reported.

A native of Turkmenistan, Babageldi Halymov, who competed in the weight category of 83,9 kg, won a duel with the Ukrainian athlete Yakov Anufriev. Babageldi defeated his opponent ahead of schedule in the first round by painful knockout.

According to the embassy, Halymov is a native of the Galkynysh gengeshlik of the Hojambaz etrap of the Lebap velayat, and is also a graduate of the National Technical University “Kharkiv Polytechnic Institute”.

On March 1, Halymov also won an early victory over Evgeniy Drobot in a fight at the international professional mixed martial arts tournament “FCFC Fight Night 7”, which took place in Kyiv.

The Turkmenistan women's national football team learned their opponents in the 2026 Asian Cup qualifying tournament. According to the results of the draw, the Turkmen football players were placed in Group C together with the teams of Myanmar, Bahrain and Bangladesh.

The qualifying matches in all groups will be held in a centralized format from June 23 to July 5, 2025. The candidacy of the head coach of the Turkmenistan women's national team to prepare for the qualifying tournament will be determined later, reports the publication "Turkmenistan: Golden Age".

The winners of the eight groups will advance to the next round of qualification, where they will be joined by the hosts of the final tournament, the Australian team and the three best teams of the previous Asian Cup 2022, held in India - the current champions, the Chinese team, the silver medalists, the Republic of Korea team and the bronze medalists, the Japanese team.

The final tournament involving the continent's 12 strongest teams will take place from 1 to 21 March 2026 in three Australian cities – Sydney, Perth and Gold Coast – at stadiums that hosted the 2023 Women's World Cup matches.