News
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The Turkmen football club “Altyn Asyr” has announced free entry for fans to the upcoming match of the second round of the group stage of the AFC-2 Champions League against the Bahraini team “Al-Khaldiya”. The meeting will be held on October 2 at 19:00 at the “Ashgabat” stadium.
Let us remind that in the first round, “Altyn Asyr” lost away to the Iraqi club “Air Force” with a score of 1:2, and “Al-Khaldiya” lost on its home field to the Saudi Arabian “Al-Taawun” with a score of 2:3.
The “Al-Khaldiya” delegation arrived in Ashgabat on September 29 and has already held a training session at the arena of the upcoming match. Today, October 1, a press conference will be held with the participation of coaches and players of both teams, as well as an organizational meeting to prepare for the game.
It became known that the home team will go out to the match in blue uniforms, and the guests - in yellow.
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The Turkmenistan U20 national football team lost to the Kyrgyzstan team with a score of 0:1 in the second round of the 2025 Asian Cup qualifying tournament.
The match, held In Bishkek, ended with a victory for the hosts thanks to the only goal scored from a penalty in the 62nd minute by Beknaz Almazbekov. However, the head coach of the Turkmen team Dovletmurad Annayev in a post-match interview called the referee’s decision to award a penalty a mistake and a key factor influencing the outcome of the match.
Fans on social networks also expressed doubt about the legality of the penalty, noting that the Turkmenistan team looked decent throughout the match. The confident play of the Turkmen team's goalkeeper Seyran Ashirov, who was close to parrying the shot, was especially noted.
In an interview with the Kyrgyz Sport TV channel after the match, Dovletmurad Annaev commented on the situation with restraint: “The referee decided so. I think this decision was wrong, but it was key. The game was equal, both teams had moments, but the decisive factor did not depend on us.” The coach also noted that the game of the Kyrgyz team generally met the expectations of the Turkmen team.
The next match of the Turkmen team will be held on September 29 against the Myanmar team. However, this match will no longer have much tournament significance, since both teams, having lost in the first two rounds, lost their chances to reach the final part of the 2025 Asian Cup.
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In the silence of the sports hall, the dull thud of boxing gloves hitting the punching bag echoes. The sound grows, accelerates, as if beating to the rhythm of the champion's heart. Here, in the Turkmen Muay Thai, the legendary Orazmuhammed Byashimov forges a new generation of fighters, instilling in them not only technique but also the spirit of a winner that once led him to the world champion title.
Orazmuhammed Byashimov is a living legend of Turkmen sports. An honored master of sports of Turkmenistan, world champion in 2001, and World Cup champion in 2003 in kickboxing, he has journeyed from a young boxer to the head of the Turkmenistan Muay Thai Federation. His story is one of relentless labor, dedication to sports, and striving for the highest achievements.
The Path of a Champion
Byashimov began his sports journey as a thirteen-year-old teenager, joining a boxing section following his older brothers in 1986. His talent and perseverance quickly bore fruit: he became the champion of national and all-union boxing championships in 1990-1991, and the champion of the CS "Dynamo" in 1991. International recognition came to him in 1995 when he took second place at the International Class "A" Championship in Turkey and entered the top ten boxers in the world in the 60 kg weight category.
In 1999, Byashimov decided to try his hand at kickboxing, and this decision brought him worldwide fame. In 2001, he became the world champion, and in 2003, he won the World Cup champion title. His track record is impressive: a four-time silver medalist at world championships in Ireland, Austria, Italy, and the USA, and a three-time bronze medalist at world championships in Greece (twice) and France.
Coach and Mentor
Today, Orazmuhammed Byashimov is not just the head of the Turkmenistan Muay Thai Federation but also an active coach, working daily with young athletes. He leads the Ashgabat club "Combat Gloves," where he nurtures a new generation of champions.
His dedication to sports is bearing fruit. At the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Turkmenistan, Byashimov's protégés won 11 medals: 2 gold, 1 silver, and 8 bronze. Turkmen athletes took third place in the team standings – an impressive result for a young team. "Honestly, during the preparation for the Asian Games, I didn't sleep at home at all. I was only with the guys," Byashimov says.
Inspiring the Young Generation
Byashimov's influence on young athletes cannot be overestimated. The athletes speak enthusiastically about Muay Thai and training under Orazmukhammed Byashimov's guidance.
"I really like everything here, I come to training with great pleasure," says the older brother, Islam Shamuhammedov. "I've been training for several months now, and I hope to soon participate in international tournaments, win gold like my coach, and make Turkmenistan famous worldwide."
Islam's words reflect the enthusiasm and high aspirations that Byashimov instills in his students. He not only teaches them fighting techniques but also inspires them to dream of great victories, following his own example.
The Champion's Philosophy
Byashimov believes in the talent of the Turkmen people and their natural predisposition to martial arts. "The Turkmen people are talented, Turkmen guys are talented," he says. "I think it's in the blood of the Turkmen people – to defend their 'self.' This is a big plus in sports, a very big plus."
But talent is just the foundation. The main thing, according to Byashimov, is hard work. "What can I say to the guys – let them train, let them work. They have to work hard while they are young. Kids should work hard in the literal sense, not play on their phones," he advises.
His own experience is the best confirmation of these words. "When I was training myself, I would hit 1,000, 1,500, 2,000 times. I would hit the same strike over and over," Byashimov recalls.
Looking to the Future
Today, under Orazmuhammed Byashimov's leadership, about 200 athletes are engaged in Muay Thai in Turkmenistan. The organization, established in December 2014, is actively developing. Muay Thai sports clubs operate in every velayat of the country.
Byashimov looks to the future with enthusiasm and supports the idea of including Muay Thai in the 2028 Olympic Games program. "I will be very happy. For our sport, these are great opportunities in the future," he says.
Orazmukhammed Byashimov continues his work, passing on his experience and knowledge to the younger generation. His son, a second-year student at the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports, Ibragim Byashimov, is already following in his father's footsteps, becoming a four-time champion of Turkmenistan in Muay Thai.
For many young athletes, Orazmuhammed Byashimov has become not just a coach but a second father. His dedication to sports, relentless work, and high achievements serve as an inspiration for hundreds of young Turkmen athletes dreaming of making their country famous on the international stage
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Dear compatriots!
Dear friends!
I sincerely congratulate you on the national holiday – Independence Day of Turkmenistan, which is widely and solemnly celebrated throughout the beautiful Motherland! Independence is the basis of our achievements and victories, sovereignty and a happy life in the era of the Rebirth of a new era of a powerful state. Therefore, I am sure that the celebrations and events dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of independence in the year "The Storehouse of the Mind of Magtumguly Pyragy" will increase our sense of love for the Motherland, further strengthening our unity and cohesion!
Thirty-three years ago, the international community recognized Turkmenistan as an independent state. Since then and to this day, the chronicle of the Fatherland is full of glorious achievements: the set goals are being achieved, radically changing the lives of each of us, our country consistently strengthens its position among the progressive states of the planet. Every day, month and year of the current era is full of very important political, economic, cultural and social events. And against their background, following the dream of our ancestors of building a national power capable of uniting society, we consistently strengthen the foundations of a new democratic, legal and secular state. At the same time, we are gradually taking measures to turn Turkmenistan into one of the most sustainably developing countries in the world.
For several decades, we have been successfully implementing comprehensively elaborated programs to improve the standard and quality of life of our courageous people, create a competitive national economy, as well as the comprehensive development of the Fatherland. At the same time, we ensure socio-economic well-being in the cities of Ashgabat and Arkadag, in all regions of the country, and create great opportunities for innovative economic growth through its diversification and modernization. According to the national programs, grandiose construction has been launched in Turkmenistan, domestic enterprises equipped with the latest generation of equipment produce high-quality products, social security and the standard of living of our citizens are increasing. We admire and are proud of these achievements, they inspire us to work creatively.
Today, the world community recognizes our successes in the transformation of Turkmenistan and achievements in the name of a prosperous human life – the highest value of the state. On the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of independence, a number of social facilities have been opened. At the same time, we started laying the site as part of the implementation of a grandiose project at the expense of our own investments. The section of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline along the Serkhetabat–Herat route is called "Arkadagyň ak ýoly". At the same time, the opening and laying of the facilities of transport, communication and logistics infrastructures were held at a high level. All these events fully testify to the significant spiritual revival of the nation and the colossal strength of our state.
Dear compatriots!
In the era of the Rebirth of a new era of a powerful state, the international authority of the sovereign Homeland as a reliable and responsible partner is consistently growing. Our initiatives in the interests of all mankind, in particular, on global security and the maintenance of sustainable development, are gaining universal recognition.
Along with the expansion of mutually beneficial partnership, we are intensifying a comprehensive dialogue with the countries of the world and international organizations in the political, diplomatic, trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian fields. Such cooperation is friendly, open and multilateral in nature. In this regard, interaction with reputable structures, especially with the United Nations, is also gaining momentum.
Dear friends!
The eve of the 33rd anniversary of the sacred independence is significant for a grandiose event - the meeting of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, at which meaningful speeches were made about our prosperous Homeland, independence and neutrality, unity and integrity of society, which inspired us to achieve grandiose goals for a bright future. We will actively continue our large-scale work to increase the authority of an independent neutral Fatherland in the world and ensure a happy life for citizens. Based on the unshakable principles of patriotism, peacefulness and friendship, national experience in building a democratic, legal and secular state, we will direct all our efforts to enhance and strengthen our position on the world stage.
Dear compatriots!
Once again, I sincerely congratulate you on the national holiday – the 33rd anniversary of the sacred independence of Turkmenistan.
I wish you good health, endless happiness and family well-being!
May the independent, neutral Motherland, striving along the path of grandiose achievements, continue to flourish, and its glory and authority on the world stage increase!
President of Turkmenistan
Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
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A parade dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of the country's independence was held in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat. The solemn event was held in front of the State Tribune complex.
Early in the morning, a flower-laying ceremony was held at the Monument of Independence of Turkmenistan, and the day before, ceremonies honoring the best employees of enterprises, organizations and institutions were held in the capital. By Decree of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, a group of citizens were awarded orders, medals and honorary titles for special services to the state and society.
The festive parade was broadcast live on the National Television of Turkmenistan.
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Five-time former champion of Turkmenistan Yuri Rogussky regained the title of the first racket of the country, having won an impressive victory in the men's singles of the Turkmenistan Cup. In an exciting final lasting 2 hours and 40 minutes, Rogussky defeated the reigning champion Meylis Orazmuhammedov with a score of 1:6, 6:3, 7:6 (8:6). This is stated in the message of the publication "Turkmenistan: The Golden Age."
The tournament, dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence, gathered 113 athletes on the courts of the Ashgabat multifunctional stadium. 59 boys and 54 girls from Ashgabat, Dashoguz, Lebap and Mary velayats took part in the competition, contesting prizes in singles, doubles and mixed categories.
The Russian's path to the finals was full of challenges. In the quarterfinals, he almost lost to Allanur Dayanjov, having played four matchballs in the second set. The semifinal match against Gurbanberdi Gurbanberdiyev lasted 2.5 hours and ended with Rogussky's victory with a score 6:2, 3:6, 7:5.
The final match was the culmination of the tournament. Despite being tired after the previous matches, Rogussky managed to turn the tide of the game after losing the first set. The decisive moment came in the tie-break of the third set, where Yuri played three matchballs and ended the match with a spectacular ace.
17-year-old Aysha Bikbulatova won an unexpected victory in the women's tournament. In the final, she defeated Rozhan Karadzhayeva in a hard fight with a score of 7:5, 7:5.
Yuri Rogussky complemented his success with a victory in the mixed doubles, where, paired with 15-year-old Sabina Rakhmanova, they beat the duo Didar Vepamyradov/Maral Ahmedova. In the men's doubles, Hajimurad Chariyev and Meylis Orazmuhammedov celebrated the victory.
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Turkmen athlete Shahzadbek Matyakubov set a new world record in the clean and jerk in the weight category up to 102 kg at the junior World Weightlifting Championships in Spain. This is reported by the press service of the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF).
The 20-year-old weightlifter lifted a barbell weighing 216 kg, surpassing the previous record by 1 kg, which was also set at the World Championships by a representative of Brazil.
In the total of the two-man event (175 +216), Matyakubov gained 391 kg, which earned him the gold medal of the junior championship of the planet.
Brazilian athlete Mateus Pisanya took second place with a score of 383 kg (168+215), and Egyptian Mahmoud Hosni took third place with a score of 369 kg (169+200).
Earlier at this championship, Turkmen athlete Anamjan Rustamova won a bronze medal in the snatch in the weight category up to 81 kg.
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The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov congratulated the President on the 33rd anniversary of Turkmenistan's independence. In his congratulation, he noted the significant achievements of Turkmenistan under the leadership of the President and expressed wishes for good health, long life and success in government activities, TDH reports.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhammedov stressed that independence made it possible to realize the dreams of our ancestors about a sovereign state and revive national and spiritual values. He also noted that Turkmenistan has achieved significant success in various fields, including science, education, agriculture, communications and healthcare.
In his congratulation, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov noted the importance of ongoing reforms and programs aimed at the socio-economic development of the country and expressed confidence in the bright future of Turkmenistan under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.
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Turkmen midfielder Ruslan Mingazov made two assists in the match of the 4th round of the Premier League Hong Kong, in which “Kitchee” won a convincing victory over “Kowloon City” with a score of 6: 1.
The 32 years old Mingazov, playing for “Kitchee” since March 2022, spent four matches in the new season of the Hong Kong championship, in which he scored 1 goal and made 6 assists. His contract with the club is designed until 2025.
Thanks to this victory, “Kitchee” with 8 points rose to the first line in the standings.
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The youth team of Turkmenistan in football under 20 years old lost to peers from Japan in the first match of the qualifying cycle for the Asian Cup-2025.
The national team of Turkmenistan fell into group “I” along with the teams of Myanmar, Japan and Kyrgyzstan, which is the mistress of the tournament.
In the first match, Turkmenistan met with Japan. The match ended with the defeat of the Turkmen team with a score of 0: 2. The double of winners was noted by the striker of Soma Kanda.
The next match at the tournament Turkmenistan will be held against Kyrgyzstan on September 27. The qualifying tournament for the Turkmen team will end with a match against Myanmar on September 29.
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The Turkmen weightlifter Anamjan Rustamova won a small bronze medal in the exercise of a breakthrough at the Youth World Athletics Championship held in the Spanish Leon. In the weight category to 81 kg, Rustamova raised 103 kg in a jerk, which permitted her to take third place in this exercise.
In the overall standings of the double -workers, Rustamova showed the result of 230 kg, taking fourth place. In the exercise, she raised the push 127 kg, which brought her fifth place.
The winner in this category was Emma Poghosyan from Armenia with a result of 233 kg (100+133), silver went to Vanessa Ernandez from Mexico - 232 kg (104+128), and the Iranian athlete of Ect Jamali - 231 kg (104+127) won bronze.
More than 350 athletes from 67 countries participate in the World Cup. Turkmenistan at the competitions is represented by Anamjan Rustamova and Shahzadbek Matyakubov, who today will perform in the category up to 102 kg.
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Turkmen athletes rose to a new level in the world rankings at the 45th World Chess Olympiad, which ended in Budapest (Hungary), where 188 men's and 169 women's teams competed for medals in 11 rounds according to the Swiss system. All of them were divided into five categories depending on the average rating.
The men's and women's teams of Turkmenistan, both seeded 73rd overall, were awarded small gold medals for first place in their categories. The men won Group B with 15 points, leaving the teams of Latvia and Kazakhstan in second and third place, respectively, with 14 points. And the women won Group C with 14 points, beating the Malaysian team (14 points) and the Sri Lankan chess players, who finished third with 13 points, in additional indicators.
Having won two victories in a row at the finish of the tournament over rivals from Singapore (45th seed) - 3:1 and Israel (20th seed) - 2.5:1.5, the men's team of Turkmenistan took 24th place in the overall standings. And our women's team, having beaten the Croatian team (40th seed) in the last round - 2.5:1.5, rose to 32nd place. These results are the best in the entire history of participation of representatives of domestic chess in the World Chess Olympiads.
It is noteworthy that such strong teams of Vietnam, Iran, Bulgaria, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Sweden, Austria and other countries, staffed with international grandmasters, were left behind the men's team of Turkmenistan. And our young girls turned out to be higher than the more famous teams of Italy, Australia, Iran, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, Belgium, Norway and many others.
Such unprecedented success of the Turkmen teams is connected with the united team spirit among both boys and girls, believes the Secretary General of the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan Mergen Kakabayev.
“At the right moments, each player of the team worked on their games to the very end and squeezed the maximum out of every opportunity,” said M. Kakabayev.
A striking example of this was the 11th round, in which, with a draw of 1.5:1.5 in both the men's match against Israel and the women's match against Croatia, the fate of the small gold medals in groups “B” and “C” was decided in the remaining games of Allayar Shirliyev and Jahan Rejepova.
Allayar played against the bronze medalist of the 2010 Olympiad, the famous international grandmaster Ilya Smirin, and Jahan Rejebova, who has a rating of 1915, against FIDE master Patricia Vujnovic with a rating of 2134. Despite the equal nature of the struggle and the likelihood of a draw, A. Shirliyev and J. Rejepova did not accept the draw and were able to put the squeeze on their more experienced opponents, which ultimately ensured first place for our teams in their categories.
The best result in the men's team was shown by 39-year-old international grandmaster Meylis Annaberdiyev (2nd board), who scored 7 points out of 11. Half a point less in the asset of 25-year-old international master
Saparmurat Atabayev (1st board). 5 points out of 10 possible were scored on the 3rd board by 18-year-old Amanmuhammet Hommadov, 4.5 points out of 8 by 21-year-old current champion of the country Allayar Shirliyev (4th board) and 3.5 points out of 4 by 19-year-old Vepaly Halyniyazov, who played with a replacement on the 4th board.
100% result in the women's team was shown by 17-year-old reserve Enesh Arazmedova, who won 5 victories in five games on the 4th board. 18-year-old champion of Turkmenistan Meryem Agajanova (2nd board) scored 6 points in 10 games. The personal performance of other Turkmen chess players is as follows: 17-year-old Leyla Shohradova (3rd board) and 14-year-old Jahan Rejepova (4th board) have 5.5 points after 10 and 9 games, respectively, while the 18-year-old vice-champion of the country Lala Shohradova (1st board) has 5 points out of 10 possible. By the way, Lala was the only chess player in our women's team who had previous experience of participating in the Olympiads.
It is important to note that throughout the tournament, the coach of the men's team, Honored Coach of Turkmenistan Serdar Annaberdiev, the coach of the women's team, Candidate Master of Sports Shahruh Turayev and the head of the delegation, FIDE Master Mergen Kakabayev worked tirelessly with the players. Experienced specialists comprehensively prepared each player before each game, both theoretically and psychologically, right down to studying the opening repertoire and playing style of each opponent. And at a critical moment of the tournament, a professional psychologist was brought in to boost the confidence of young players before the decisive matches with famous opponents.
The champions in both sections were the Indian team, which beat the US chess players and the previous Olympic champions from Uzbekistan in the men's tournament, who took 2nd and 3rd places, respectively. And among women, representatives of Kazakhstan (2nd place) and the USA (3rd) also climbed the podium.
The next, 46th World Chess Olympiad will be held in 2026
in Uzbekistan. At the awards ceremony for the winners and prize-winners in Budapest, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich handed over the flag and torch of the competition to the leader of the Uzbek team Nodirbek Abdusattorov, the winner of the silver medal of the current Olympiad on the 1st board.