Head coach of the Turkmenistan national football team, Mergen Orazov, recently returned from Portugal, where he underwent an intensive internship. This trip opened new prospects for the development of Turkmen football and brought valuable experience.

Mergen Orazov's internship program was intensive and productive. The head coach of the Turkmenistan national team met with the technical director of the Portuguese Football Federation, José Couceiro, discussing the league structure and talent development methods. Additionally, there was a visit to the Portuguese Football Academy, which allowed him to familiarize himself with the advanced system of training top-level coaches.

The key moments of the internship were two meetings with the head coach of the Portuguese national team, Roberto Martinez. Mergen Orazov had a unique opportunity to observe match preparations and participate in detailed game analysis.

Portuguese Experience: What Can Be Applied in Turkmenistan

Mergen Orazov highlighted several aspects of Portuguese football that can be adapted in Turkmenistan. Among them is the player evaluation system on a five-point scale, which includes not only sports performance but also behavior. 'This is done discreetly. A player who scores fives in all criteria automatically gets on the candidate list if not injured,' explained the coach.

Orazov also noted the practice of involving young players in the national team for their development and the group approach to analytical work before matches. 'This allows for a detailed study of tactical moments,' he emphasized.

Plans for the Development of Turkmen Football

Based on the experience gained, Orazov plans to implement several changes in the preparation of the national team. 'In November, training camps and friendly matches in a closed format are planned to test new candidates,' said the coach. Special attention will be given to young players.

The immediate goal of the team is a successful performance in the qualifying tournament for the 2027 Asian Cup. 'Our goal is to qualify for the Asian Championship,' stated Orazov.

Innovations in the Turkmenistan Football Federation

Parallel to the work on the national team, the Turkmenistan Football Federation is undergoing an active modernization process. The federation's charter is being updated, and a video archive of the Higher League and Turkmenistan Cup matches is being created. 'Clubs are provided with video clips of all games so they can study each other and prepare for matches,' noted Orazov.

The Federation plans to cooperate with international platforms to promote Turkmen players. 'This will help our players move to strong championships, which will also improve the level of our football,' explained the coach.

Long-term Development Strategy

The Federation is developing a comprehensive system for training players, starting from academies to the professional level. A three-tier system is planned: Higher League, Reserve League, and First League.

'The idea is to guide a player from the academy until the age of 17, and then he will have three options: go directly to the Higher League if he is talented and physically ready, play in the Reserve League, or in the First League,' said Mergen Orazov.

The possibility of inviting Portuguese instructors to train Turkmen coaches is also being considered.

Meeting with Roberto Martinez: Impressions and Prospects

Orazov was impressed by the openness and willingness to share experiences demonstrated by Roberto Martinez. 'No secrets, no barriers – everyone is ready to share and help,' noted the Turkmen coach.

The possibility of signing a memorandum of cooperation between the federations of Turkmenistan and Portugal was discussed. Notably, Portuguese specialists highly appreciated the potential of Turkmen football, especially noting the youth team's game against Wales (2:2).

Mergen Orazov's internship in Portugal opened new prospects for Turkmen football. The introduction of advanced practices, modernization of the player and coach training system, and possible international cooperation – all this gives grounds to hope for a qualitative leap in the development of football in Turkmenistan in the coming years.

The women's team of Turkmenistan is demonstrating impressive results at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest. After the sixth round, the Turkmen chess players topped the tournament table in category C, having scored 8 team points out of 12 possible. The team, seeded 73rd in the overall standings, currently ranks 36th among 183 national women's teams. This was reported to Turkmenportal by the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan.In the last round, the Turkmen team, with an average rating of 1956, won a confident victory over the Brazilian team (average rating of 2132) with a score of 3:1. Leyla Shohradova and Enesh Arazmedova, who won their games on the third and fourth boards respectively, distinguished themselves in particular. It is worth noting that 17 years old Enesh Arazmedova demonstrates a 100% result, having won all four of her games in the tournament.

In the last round, the Turkmen team, with an average rating of 1956, won a confident victory over the Brazilian team (average rating of 2132) with a score of 3:1. Leyla Shohradova and Enesh Arazmedova, who won their games on the third and fourth boards respectively, distinguished themselves in particular. It is worth noting that 17 years old Enesh Arazmedova demonstrates a 100% result, having won all four of her games in the tournament.

The closest competitor of the Turkmen team in category C is the Malaysian team, which also scored 8 points and is in 45th place in the overall standings. In the next, seventh round, the Turkmen chess players will have to compete with the Cuban team, which is in 39th place and has an average rating of 2215.

The men's team of Turkmenistan has shown more modest results so far, having scored 6 points out of 12 possible in the stronger category B.

In the overall standings of the tournament, the Indian teams are leading in both the women's and men's categories.

The Chess Olympiad will last until September 22.

113 sportsmen from Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary velayats of the country gathered for the Turkmenistan Tennis Cup, which started today in the capital.

The competition, in which 59 young men and 54 girls aged 13 and over participate, is held on the courts of the multifunctional stadium «Ashgabat».

The winners of the Cup, which is served as the chief judge by the 39-year-old national category referee, holder of the international coaching category Level 1 Yevgeniy Molchanov, will be determined in singles, doubles and mixed categories.

The Turkmenistan Cup is one of the most important annual tournaments, after which the composition of the national team will be determined.

The competition will end on the 22nd of September.

Turkmen athletes won two bronze medals at the Asian Boxing Championship among juniors, schoolboys and schoolgirls that ended in Al Ain (UAE).

The competition brought together a total of 462 boxers from 26 countries, who competed for medals in 13 weight categories among juniors born in 2008-2009 and in 15 weight categories among schoolboys and schoolgirls born in 2010-2011.

The Turkmenistan team was represented at this tournament by 10 boxers. Two of them competed in the younger age group and eight in the older one.

Our compatriots achieved success in the junior tournament. The first to reach the third step of the podium was Begench Kakamyradov, a 10th-grader from Secondary School №1 in Yoloten, Mary Velayat. In the 50 kg weight category, in which 14 boxers competed for medals, he won two victories, beating Siva Chainarong (Thailand) 3:2 and Fan-Rui Shao (Taiwan) 5:0. In the semi-finals, Begench, who will turn 16 on the 11th of October, lost to Harsh Harsh (India) 1:4 and had to settle for a bronze medal. 

Another bronze in this weight category went to Oleksandr Malakhov (Ukraine). Silver was awarded to Indian boxer Harsh Harsh. The champion was Mukhammed Rizo Ukimov from Uzbekistan, who won the final with a score of 4:1.

The second bronze medal in our team was won by 16-year-old 11th grade student of the 78th Ashgabat Secondary School Sapargeldi Nuryagdyyev. He achieved this success in the welterweight category up to 70 kg, in which 12 boxers competed for the awards. In the 1/8 finals, Sapargeldi won in the third round due to the obvious advantage of Nahyan Al-Ghafri from the United Arab Emirates, and in the quarterfinals, by a split decision of the judges, he won against Usman Kaparov (Kyrgyzstan) - 3:2. In the semifinals, S. Nuryagdyyev lost to Diyorbek Murodilloyev (Uzbekistan) - 0:5, becoming the bronze medalist.

Together with the Turkmen boxer, Prashant Prashant (India) climbed to the third step of the podium, Uzbek athlete Diyorbek Murodilloyev climbed to the second, and Mohammad Saleh Mesbahi Ro (Iran) climbed to the highest step, having won a unanimous decision over his opponent in the final.

The Turkmenistan team was prepared for the Asian Championship by coaches Sapardurdy Bagyyev and Myrat Pazzyyev.

A mini-football tournament dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Fragi and the 33rd anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence was held at the stadium of the Cultural and Sports Center of Gazprom Dobycha Astrakhan LLC in Astrakhan. The event was organized by the Turkmen Consulate in Astrakhan.

Teams from the Turkmen diaspora in the Astrakhan region and Stavropol Krai, as well as a team from the Consulate consisting of Turkmen students studying at Astrakhan universities, participated in the competition. In his welcome speech, the Consul of Turkmenistan, Gadam Ilamanov, emphasized the special role of Magtymguly Fragi in the formation of Turkmen national culture and the Turkmen literary language.

The tournament aimed to strengthen friendly relations between Turkmenistan and Russia, as well as to promote a healthy lifestyle and the development of sports. At the end of the competition, which took place in a friendly atmosphere, the winners were awarded cups and medals, and the best players received individual awards.

The V World Nomad Games concluded in the capital of Kazakhstan. The closing ceremony of the competitions was held in Astana. The V World Nomad Games gathered about 2,500 participants from 89 countries. According to preliminary estimates, the Games were attended by hundreds of thousands of people, including city residents, tourists from other regions of Kazakhstan, and from near and far abroad.

Turkmenistan was represented at the Games by 29 athletes, who took 8th place in the overall team standings. This year, the Games featured 21 sports, including national wrestling styles, kokpar (goat pulling), horse wrestling, falconry, strength and intellectual competitions, as well as a daily cultural program in the ethno-village "Universe of Nomads." The total prize fund was about 520 thousand dollars.

In the medal standings, Kazakhstan became the leader, winning 112 medals, including 43 gold, 32 silver, and 37 bronze. The second place was secured by Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyz athletes won 65 medals: 19 gold, 21 silver, and 25 bronze. The third place in the medal standings was taken by the Russian team, winning 49 medals: 12 gold, 12 silver, and 25 bronze. The largest number of athletes came from various regions of Kazakhstan — 195 people. 172 athletes came from Kyrgyzstan, and 144 athletes from Russia.

The most athletes participated in the қазақ күресі (Kazakh wrestling) competitions — 266. During the Games, more than 100 vehicles were used. About 1,600 volunteers assisted the participants and guests of the event.

At the ceremony, there was a symbolic handover of the baton for organizing the Nomad Games. The next competitions in 2026 will be hosted by Kyrgyzstan, the founding country of this tournament.

Let us recall that the I World Nomad Games were held in Kyrgyzstan on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, in the city of Cholpon-Ata. The Games were held there three times: in 2014, 2016, and 2018. The IV World Nomad Games were held in 2022 in the Turkish city of Iznik. At that time, about 3,000 athletes from 82 countries competed in 13 sports.

The 4th Asian and Oceania Traditional Karate Championship was held in Samarkand, Republic of Uzbekistan. Turkmenistan was represented in the competition by 10 athletes and coaches. Our compatriots successfully performed in the championship taking 6 prizes.

Ihlas Annagurbanov, Damir Allaberdiev and Cherkez Myratdurdyev as part of the team took 1st place in kata. Nurgeldi Annagurbanov and Meilis Charyev took 2nd place and Dovlet Berdyev took 3rd place.

In addition, Nurgeldi Annagurbanov became the winner in the En-bu section. Damir Allaberdiev and Nurgeldi Annanepesov took 2nd place in the kihon technique. Selim Myratberdiev became the bronze medalist in the individual championship.

The athletes who distinguished themselves at the competitions were awarded certificates of honor and medals.

On September 13, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on the digital system, which included a number of priority issues of public life on the agenda.

The first speaker was the Chairman of the Mejlis D.Gulmanova, who informed about the ongoing work on the modernization of national legislation.

As reported, currently, in order to strengthen the legal framework of the large-scale transformations being carried out in the country, amendments and additions are being made to a number of legislative acts, in particular, regulating civil law relations, issues related to administrative offenses, taxes, and the development of motor transport.

Information was also provided on the preparations for the national forum dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of the independence of the Motherland. Work in this direction is being carried out jointly with the Staff of the Halk Maslahaty, the Cabinet of Ministers, relevant ministries and sectoral departments, hakimliks, and public organizations.

As part of strengthening relations with parliaments of foreign countries and international organizations, a meeting was held with the Head of the Regional Development Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Commonwealth of Nations and Development of the United Kingdom. The Mejlis deputies also met with representatives of the United Nations structural units.

The Head of the Parliament informed about the participation of people's deputies in events to explain to the general public the goals and objectives of the state policy being implemented and the laws being adopted, the historical and socio-political significance of the upcoming meeting of the Halk Maslahaty, the successes achieved in the country over 33 years of independence.

Summarizing the information, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the new draft laws being developed should be perfect and meet modern realities. These laws should reflect the effectiveness of the implemented state policy, create conditions for further improving the welfare of the people, the head of Turkmenistan said, stressing that work should continue to explain them to the population.

Speaking next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H.Geldimyradov reported on the results of the Investment Forum, the international conference on attracting high technologies and innovations to the economy of Turkmenistan, as well as specialized exhibitions held in Ashgabat on September 10-11.

As reported, the Investment Forum was attended by representatives from 44 countries, including 22 international organizations, government agencies of foreign countries and companies, embassies accredited in Turkmenistan. According to the program, 3 plenary sessions devoted to the development and international initiatives of our country in the economic sphere, transport and communication sector, oil and gas and energy complexes, 7 sessions on key areas of the economy, 4 round table meetings were held within its framework.

In their speeches, representatives of Turkmenistan widely highlighted the investment potential of sectors of the national economy, promising projects planned for implementation, a favorable investment climate created, as well as legal, financial and economic conditions available to foreign investors. The reports of foreign experts, heads of reputable organizations and companies noted the growing authority of our country on the world stage and its commitment to fulfilling its international obligations.

At the same time, delegates of the digital system forum took part in the opening ceremony and laying of large facilities related to the oil and gas, energy, transport, logistics and communications sectors, which are symbols of good-neighborly and fraternal Turkmen-Afghan relations.

In addition, within the framework of the Investment Forum, 9 Memoranda, 5 Agreements and 8 contracts were signed between the relevant ministries, industry departments, enterprises of our country and foreign partners. With the heads and representatives of international organizations, financial institutions, foreign government and government agencies, more than 80 meetings, during which an exchange of views took place on the possibilities of establishing and developing cooperation in various sectors of the economy, on priority areas of mutually beneficial partnership.

The international conference on attracting high technologies and innovations to the economy of Turkmenistan and the exhibition, the venue of which was the International Science and Technology Park of the Academy of Sciences, were attended by 28 ministries and industry departments, 58 domestic private companies and 28 companies from 14 countries. The results of the Hi-tech Startup Turkmenistan 2024 competition were summed up within the framework of the forum.

After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that the Investment Forum held in the capital was a good opportunity to strengthen our country's economic ties with the world community, establish new business contacts, and familiarize with the investment potential of the Motherland. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister was instructed to continue work on the implementation of investment projects and the further development of international cooperation in this direction.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B.Amanov reported on the ongoing activities to discover and develop the country's territories rich in hydrocarbon resources, as well as to improve the material and technical base of the supervised industry.

As it was noted, the acquisition by the State Corporation Turkmengeologia of a complex of 3D geophysical equipment with digital control, capable of functioning in various conditions, will allow Turkmen geologists to identify areas rich in hydrocarbons and obtain accurate data.

In this regard, the relevant proposal to strengthen the material and technical base of the industry was submitted for consideration by the head of state.

Summarizing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that in order to increase the pace of work to identify underground storerooms, increase the resource base of hydrocarbon raw materials and modernize the infrastructure of the industry, it is necessary to continue providing it with specialized equipment.

Having approved the proposal to introduce a complex of 3D geophysical equipment into the activities of the State Corporation Turkmengeologiya, the head of Turkmenistan instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to take appropriate measures in this direction.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T.Atakhalliyev reported on the progress of seasonal agricultural campaigns in the country.

As noted, wheat sowing is currently being carried out in all regions of Turkmenistan in accordance with agrotechnical standards. The necessary steps are being taken to provide producers with high-quality seeds, as well as for the effective operation of agricultural machinery involved in sowing.

Along with this, the cotton harvest, which began with the blessing of the head of state, continues in an organized manner. Appropriate measures are being implemented for the uninterrupted reception of collected raw materials at reception points and cotton gins, and the efficient operation of vehicles used in the transportation of "white gold".

In order to increase the number of livestock and increase its productivity, everything necessary is being done in the livestock farms of the velayats to create reserve stocks of feed. Appropriate work is also being carried out to increase the number of Akhal-Teke horses, ensure proper care for them and preserve the purity of the breed.

In addition, in order to improve the water supply of agricultural fields and land reclamation, careful and efficient use of water resources, work continues to strengthen river banks, irrigation and cleaning of drainage channels.

After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, stressing the importance of timely sowing of wheat in the velayats, providing grain growers with high-quality seed material, optimal use of the equipment used in sowing, instructed the Deputy Prime Minister to ensure the harvesting of the grown cotton crop without losses.

During his visit to Ashgabat, the President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Morinari Watanabe singled out the talent of the young Turkmen gymnast Fatima Kambarova, noting her great potential for performing at the Olympic Games. This happened after the exhibition performance of the national rhythmic gymnastics team of Turkmenistan.

The visit of the high-ranking FIG delegation, which also included the head of the Asian Gymnastics Union (AGU) Abdulrahman Bin Saad Al-Shatri and the vice-president of the AGU Timur Abduvaliyev, became a historic event for Turkmen gymnastics.

The head coach of the national rhythmic gymnastics team, Fiza Aivazova, called the meeting “unforgettable” and emphasized its importance for the development of sports in the country.

The team prepared a group demonstration performance using various objects: hoops, ribbons and balls. The head of FIG was particularly attracted to Fatima Kambarova, whom he singled out among other gymnasts.

According to Aivazova, Watanabe saw great potential in the girl to compete in the Olympic Games. This recognition coincided with the assessment of the Turkmen federation and coaching staff, who already consider Kambarova a promising athlete.

Fatima Kambarova has already achieved success on the international stage, including gold medals at various tournaments. At a recent competition in Tashkent, she was named by the panel of judges as a “star of Turkmen rhythmic gymnastics”.

During the visit, opportunities for developing Turkmenistan’s coaching staff were also discussed, including participation in international coaching and refereeing seminars.

Morinari Watanabe's official visit to Ashgabat will last until September 14.

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov congratulated the participants of the XXV conference of the Humanitarian Association of Turkmen of the World, stressing the importance of strengthening ties with compatriots abroad and promoting Turkmen culture in the international arena, TDH reports.

In his address, the Head of state noted that the conference, held in the year "The Storehouse of the Mind of Magtumguly Pragy" and on the eve of Turkmenistan's Independence Day, will contribute to the consolidation of the Turkmen world and the activation of friendly ties.

Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that strengthening comprehensive relations with compatriots abroad is an important direction of Turkmenistan's foreign policy. The President noted that the Turkmen of the world are actively involved in the large-scale transformations taking place in the country and make a significant contribution to the development of various spheres, including economy, culture, science and education.

The Head of State also noted the important role of the Humanitarian Association of Turkmen of the World in strengthening international relations and popularization of Turkmen culture, customs and traditions. He stressed that the Association, established in 1991, has become a prestigious organization uniting the Turkmen of the world and contributing to the development of fraternal relations and effective cooperation.

In his address, Serdar Berdimuhamedov also noted the importance of the 300th anniversary of the birth of the great Turkmen poet and thinker Magtumguly Pragy, which is widely celebrated this year. He stressed that Turkmenistan, celebrating the 33rd anniversary of independence, is confidently moving forward, achieving high results thanks to stability, unity and love of the people for the Motherland.

President of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Morinari Watanabe paid an official visit to Ashgabat today and was impressed by the sports infrastructure of Turkmenistan's capital, Turkmenportal reports.

After inspecting the gymnastics halls in the Olympic City, Watanabe noted the huge potential of young Turkmen athletes and expressed readiness to support their development.

- You have very good opportunities and also a lot of talented children. They have a great future”, - the FIG head said. He stressed the importance of proper training to realize this potential and said that a plan for the development of Turkmen gymnastics with an eye on the Olympic Games in 2028 and 2032 is already being discussed.

Watanabe arrived in Ashgabat accompanied by the head of the Asian Gymnastics Union (AGU) Abdulrahman Ben Saad Al-Shatri and Vice President of AGU Timur Abduvaliyev. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize with the sports infrastructure of the Turkmen capital and assess the prospects for the development of gymnastics in the country.

The FIG President expressed surprise at the excellent conditions for training in Turkmenistan and noted that he had already shared his impressions with his colleagues in Japan and China. He assured that the International Gymnastics Federation will fully support the development of this sport in Turkmenistan.

- As president of the International Gymnastics Federation, I consider myself the father of gymnastics and these children are my sons and daughters. I will support them and do my best”, - Watanabe emphasized.

The FIG head also expressed hope for the participation of Turkmen gymnasts in the future Olympic Games, calling it a common dream for the athletes and the federation.

The delegation of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan took part in the Second Interparliamentary Forum of Central Asian States, which took place on September 12 in Khiva, Uzbekistan.

As reported on the website of the Mejlis, the forum is aimed at supporting friendly cooperation between the Central Asian states at the parliamentary level, developing interparliamentary relations in the region, and disseminating the positive experience of active participation of parliamentarians in the socio-economic development of the country.

The forum participants shared their national experience in improving the work of representative institutions, increasing the participation of women and youth in the socio-economic life of the state, and also spoke about the positive principles of expanding cooperation between parliamentary friendship groups and specialized committees, the source notes.