A match of the 21st round of the Turkmenistan Football Championship between "Ashgabat" and "Kopetdag" took place at the capital's "Nisa" stadium.

This was the third capital derby for these teams. In the first round-robin stage, the opponents failed to score against each other, resulting in a 0:0 draw. In the second round-robin stage, "Ashgabat" achieved an away victory with a score of 2:0.

Before the start of the third round-robin stage, both clubs changed their head coaches. "Ashgabat" is led by former "Kopetdag" coach Tofik Shukurov, while the Turkmenistan Ministry of Internal Affairs team is led by Begench Garaev. This added interest to the duel between the coaches who had recently worked together. The upcoming match was also expected to reveal what surprises the current "Ashgabat" coach had prepared for his former team.

The first half did not bring success to either side. In the 65th minute, the hosts organized a good attack, which resulted in a goal by Yenish Seidiev. The winning score for "Ashgabat" lasted until the 88th minute. However, two minutes before the end of regular time, "Kopetdag" was awarded a penalty, which was converted by Shiri Annaev.

As a result, the match ended in a 1:1 draw, with both teams earning a point. After this game, "Ashgabat" holds 6th place with 17 points, while "Kopetdag" is in 8th place with 14 points.

The 21st round of the Turkmenistan Football Championship will continue with the matches: "Ahal" - "Merv" and "Altyn Asyr" - "Shagadam".

The footballers of "Ahal" won against Mary’s "Merv" 2-0 in the 21st round of the Turkmenistan Higher League Championship. The game took place in Ashgabat at the "Nisa" stadium.

The victory for Velsakhet Ovezov's team was secured by Dayanch Meredov’s goal in the 15th minute and an own goal by Shazada Byashimov in the 46th minute.

"Ahal" has now beaten "Merv" three times this season. In the first round, the team of the Turkmennebitonumleri Main Directorate achieved a narrow away victory of 1-0, and in the second round at home, they defeated Merv with a decisive 5-1 score.

After the 2-0 victory over "Merv," "Ahal" accumulated 43 points, moving to a clear second place. "Altyn Asyr" has 40 points, but they have a home match against Turkmenbashi’s "Shagadam" to conclude the 21st round of the Turkmenistan Football Championship.

In previous matches of this round, "Arkadag" won against Balkanabat’s "Nebitchi" 5-1, "Ashgabat" and "Kopetdag" drew 1-1 in the capital derby.

On September 1, with the participation of the President of Turkmenistan, Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the country, General of the Army Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the grand opening of a complex of new buildings of the Specialized Military School named after Berdimuhamed Annayev of the Ministry of Defense of Turkmenistan took place in the capital.

Educating the younger generation in the spirit of high patriotism and loyalty to the wise precepts of their ancestors, responsibility for the future of the Motherland and the fate of the people, creating all the conditions for the comprehensive harmonious development of young citizens of the country, their receipt of a modern education and acquisition of chosen professions is a priority of the state policy of an independent neutral Fatherland, confidently moving along the path of peace and creation.

Having proclaimed positive neutrality, peacefulness, good neighborliness and constructive international cooperation as the key principles of state policy, Turkmenistan is implementing a Military Doctrine of a purely defensive nature and designed to ensure the security of the country, the high defense capability of the National Army, which acts as a guarantor of a peaceful and prosperous life for the people. These are the goals of the comprehensive measures being implemented in the Fatherland to modernize the Armed Forces, initiated by Hero Arkadag and now being implemented under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. One of the priorities of the work being carried out in this area is the improvement of the training of the younger generation of military personnel - worthy successors of the noble traditions of glorious ancestors.

On September 1, with the participation of the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the opening ceremony of the building of the Ashgabat city administration complex was held.

The tireless efforts of the head of state to further improve the architectural appearance of Ashgabat are reflected in the dynamic development of our city, recognized as the pearl of Asia. Ashgabat's infrastructure is constantly developing, including all the features of a comprehensively developed city, architectural complexes are complemented by new buildings and structures.

This is evidenced by the construction of the Ashgabat city administration complex, which includes a pension fund, a labor and employment department, and the Main Department of Education and Culture.

The best principles of national architecture are harmoniously combined with modern trends in the field of architecture and design in the appearance of the complex. Here, amenities that fully meet international standards provide decent working conditions for workers and specialists. The principle of "The state is for the people!", laid down on the basis of the political strategy of Turkmenistan, is also worthily reflected.

This multi-story complex has a conference hall for 300 people, more than 110 offices with all the amenities, a canteen for 120 people, as well as technical facilities.

The equipment of the offices with the equipment necessary for the efficient work of employees, including computers, furniture and other relevant means, fully meets the requirements in this area.

On the occasion of the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov addressed congratulations to schoolchildren, students, teachers and employees of the country's education system.

"I sincerely congratulate you on this wonderful holiday, which unites our society and inspires us to great achievements in the era of the Revival of a new era of a powerful state, as well as on the beginning of a new, 2024-2025 academic year!", the Address says.

Today, when Turkmenistan is striving forward on the path of progress, transformation and creation, the country is successfully implementing state programs to reform the domestic education sector, the President noted.

On the occasion of the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth of the year "The Storehouse of the Mind of Magtumguly Pragy", first-graders who are just entering the world of knowledge are given Bilimli personal computers as a souvenir, opening ceremonies of new schools and kindergartens are held in villages and cities of the country.

"We will continue to pay special attention to solving the issues of bringing our education system to the international level, creating all conditions for the harmonious development of young people and expanding their horizons," the head of state stressed.

The opening of a new complex of buildings of a Specialized military school named after Berdimuhamed Annayev in Ashgabat is also timed to coincide with the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth.

A comprehensive secondary school named after Makhtumkuli for 540 places will be solemnly opened in the Dayhan association "Ergesh Sultanov" of the Dusti district of the Khatlon region of the Republic of Tajikistan, the Appeal notes.

Adopting the Concept of improving the methodology of teaching general education programs in Turkmenistan until 2028, new educational reforms have been launched from the 2024-2025 academic year, which are based on best international practice and national principles of the education system.

Congratulating schoolchildren, students, teachers and employees of the education system once again from the bottom of his heart, advising them on successful studies and work, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished them good health, long life, great success in studies and work, as well as family well-being, TDH reports.

On August 30, in the conference hall of the Garagum hotel in the capital, a number of Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of ministries and departments of our country met with members of the Afghan delegation headed by Acting Minister of Mining and Petroleum of Afghanistan H. Badri, who arrived in Turkmenistan on a visit.

As it was emphasized during the meeting, independent Turkmenistan, under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, worthily continuing the undertakings of the Hero Arkadaga, is committed to the principles of positive neutrality and the development of fruitful international cooperation. In this context, great importance is attached to the intensification of interstate relations, including with neighboring countries, in particular with Afghanistan. The Turkmen-Afghan dialogue is based on the principles of mutual respect and humanism.

Representatives of the Afghan side expressed sincere gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the opportunity to visit the hospitable Turkmen land.

It should be noted that Turkmenistan is interested in political and economic stability in Afghanistan and the prosperous life of the fraternal people. Our friendly support is manifested in the transfer of electricity and liquefied natural gas to the neighboring state on a preferential basis, the construction of social facilities on its territory, and the training of specialists.

In this regard, representatives of the Turkmen side stressed that under the leadership of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, concrete steps are being taken to further restore the economy and social infrastructure of Afghanistan. This is also evidenced by the constructive initiatives put forward by the Turkmen State at the sessions of the United Nations General Assembly and other major international forums, which enjoy broad support from the world community.

Among the main areas of Turkmen-Afghan cooperation is the fuel and energy sector. In this context, they discussed the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India (TAPI) gas pipeline construction project. As it was emphasized, the implementation of this major energy project will contribute to the development of the Afghan economy, attract investment, and positively address important social issues, including the creation of new jobs.

It should be noted that, along with the implementation of the TAPI gas pipeline project, the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (TAP) power transmission line is also being laid. In addition to providing electricity to all infrastructure facilities of the TAPI gas pipeline, this system will allow it to be supplied through Afghanistan to Pakistan and other South Asian countries.

The sides also exchanged views on cooperation in the field of construction and industry.

In addition, it was noted that the geographically advantageous location of Turkmenistan and Afghanistan between Europe and Asia opens up great opportunities for effective interstate cooperation in the transport and communication sphere. In this regard, the participants of the meeting stressed that both countries attach special importance to expanding their transport and transit capabilities in the interests of the region and the world.

Having focused on the positive dynamics of the development of cooperation in priority areas, the parties confirmed their readiness to further develop fruitful ties in the transport and communication sphere.

It was noted that combining joint efforts in the implementation of existing capacities will allow in the near future to give a qualitatively new content to the Turkmen-Afghan trade and economic cooperation, and significantly increase the volume of mutual trade turnover.

The head of the Afghan delegation expressed gratitude to Hero Arkadag and Arkadagly Hero Serdar for the high level of organization of the meeting in the hospitable Turkmen land. The guests stressed their great interest in developing cooperation with Turkmenistan, which is developing harmoniously in all directions.

As part of the visit of the Afghan delegation to our country, a ceremony of signing bilateral documents was held. Among them: "Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Energy of Turkmenistan and the State Company of Afghanistan Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat on cooperation in the implementation of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan power transmission line project"; "Memorandum of Understanding between the agency "Turkmendemiryollary" of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Public Affairs of Afghanistan on cooperation in the construction of facilities at the Turgundi railway station" and "Work plan between the agency "Turkmendemiryollary" of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Public Affairs of Afghanistan regarding the laying of about 22 kilometers of the site Turgundi–Sanabar on the route of the planned construction of the Turgundi–Herat railway"; "Agreement between TAPI Pipeline Company Limited and the Government of the host country of Afghanistan on the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan–India gas pipeline project."

Thus, the meeting with the delegation of Afghanistan and the documents signed following it will give impetus to further expansion of mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation.

On August 30, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on the digital system, at which the results of the work done in seven months of this year were summed up, as well as issues of socio-economic development of the country were considered.

Having announced the agenda, the head of Turkmenistan gave the floor to the Chairman of the Mejlis, D.Gulmanova, who informed about the results of the activities carried out in January–July this year.

As reported, during the period under review, 23 Laws of Turkmenistan were adopted, in particular, "On the establishment of the jubilee medal of Turkmenistan "Magtymguly Pyragyny 300 gyllygyna", "On the cultural heritage of Magtymguly Pyragy", "On Energy Conservation and efficient use of energy", "On hydrometeorological activities", as well as a number of laws related to the legal support of foreign policy initiatives of our country. Relevant amendments and additions have been made to some legislative acts regulating relations in various fields. Along with this, 15 resolutions of the Mejlis were adopted.

Since the beginning of the year, on behalf of the President of Turkmenistan, credentials have been received from 10 Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassadors of a number of states accredited in our country. As part of strengthening relations with foreign parliaments and international organizations, 27 bilateral meetings were held.

The deputies took part in 77 seminars organized jointly with reputable structures on improving legislative activity and ensuring the implementation of state programs. In order to study best practices in the field of lawmaking, 26 official trips of representatives of the Mejlis abroad took place.

There was also information about the participation of national parliamentarians in events to explain to the general public the historical and socio-political significance of the year "The Storehouse of Reason of Magtymguly Pyragy", the 33rd anniversary of the sacred independence of the Motherland, the highest representative body of people's power - the Halk Maslahaty, the key tasks of the legal acts adopted recently.

Summarizing the information, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the need for proper preparation for the upcoming meeting of the Halk Maslahaty. At the same time, the Head of state noted the importance of continuing work on improving the country's legislation.

Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H.Geldimyradov reported on the macroeconomic indicators achieved in January–July 2024.

As a result of the comprehensive measures taken over the seven months of this year, stable GDP growth was achieved, which is equal to 6.3 percent. In the industrial complex, this figure was 3.6 percent, construction – 9.3 percent, transport and communications sector - 7.1 percent, trade – 7.8 percent, agriculture – 7.8 percent, and services – 7 percent.

In comparison with the same period last year, in January–July of this year, overall output increased by 11.5 percent. Positive production indicators have been achieved in the sectors of the economy.

The volume of retail trade is 11 percent higher in seven months compared to the corresponding period in 2023.

According to the results for January–July, the execution of the revenue part of the State budget amounted to 102.9 percent, and the expenditure part – 97.8 percent.

Wages for large and medium-sized enterprises in the country are 10.5 percent higher compared to the same period in 2023. Salaries, pensions, government benefits and student scholarships have been fully funded in a timely manner.

During the designated period, the plan for the development of capital investments from all sources of financing increased by 12.1 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

The progress of the implementation of the National Rural Program was also reported, in particular, indicators for the construction of social and infrastructure facilities were announced.

After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov identified among the priorities the adoption of necessary measures to maintain the stability of macroeconomic indicators of the national economy. Special importance should be attached to ensuring a high level of GDP growth, the head of state continued, instructing the Deputy Prime Minister to keep under strict control the modernization of existing production facilities and the creation of new ones.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B.Amanov reported on the work done in January–July in the fuel and energy sector, the steps taken to improve the efficiency of industry structures.

Reporting on the technical and economic indicators in the field of oil and gas condensate production, the Deputy Prime Minister said that the State Concern "Turkmennebit" completed the oil production plan at the level of 102.6 percent, and its refining at refineries – by 102.9 percent.

During the period under review, the implementation of the gasoline production plan amounted to 108.5 percent, polypropylene – 112 percent, and lubricating oils – 110.6 percent.

Along with this, it was reported on the indicators of liquefied natural gas production, natural and associated gas production and supplies abroad.

The plan for the development of investments at the expense of all sources of financing was fulfilled by 119.1 percent.

Summarizing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that in order to use the full capacity of domestic enterprises of the oil and gas industry, the activities of this complex should be regularly improved. At the same time, it was noted that it is necessary to increase the volume of oil production and production of petroleum products.

Taking into account the increasing demand for gas in winter, it is necessary to start preparing for this season, the head of state continued.

The Deputy Prime Minister also reported on the measures taken to modernize the infrastructure of the State Concern "Turkmengaz" through the construction of modern specialized facilities, widespread implementation of innovations and advanced technologies. In this regard, it was noted that a comprehensive strategy is being implemented aimed at diversifying the fuel and energy sector, optimally realizing its resource and production potential, and developing mutually beneficial cooperation with foreign partners.

The work carried out by the State Concern in this direction contributes to an increase in natural gas production, increasing the volume of its supplies to domestic consumers, as well as exports.

In this context, a draft Resolution on the construction of the gas compressor station "Şatlyk-1" of the State Concern "Turkmengaz" was submitted to the President of Turkmenistan for consideration.

After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov emphasized the importance of successfully solving the tasks set for the oil and gas industry. Having signed a decree on the construction of the gas compressor station "Şatlyk-1" of the State Concern "Turkmengaz" in order to implement projects related to facilities important for the supply of Turkmen natural gas to the world market, the head of Turkmenistan sent a document to the Deputy Prime Minister on the digital system, ordering to ensure proper control over its implementation.

Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T.Atahalliyev made a report on the results of the work done in the supervised sector in January–July of this year.

In particular, in the agro-industrial complex, the production growth rate reached 125.4 percent compared to the same period last year. At the same time, this figure was 104.1 percent for the Ministry of Agriculture, 100 percent for the Ministry of Environmental Protection, 134.6 percent for the State Committee for Water Management, 101.3 percent for the State Concern "Türkmenpagta", 225.9 percent for the State Association "Türkmengallaönümleri", 115 percent for the State Association "Türkmenobahyzmat", 115 percent for the State Association of the Food Industry 100.3 percent, to the State Association of Livestock and Poultry Industry – 105.5 percent and the State Association "Turkmen atlary" – 101.5 percent. The investment development plan was completed by 434.1 percent.

As reported, these days in the velayats of the country, in accordance with agrotechnical standards, seasonal agricultural work continues, in particular, cotton care. As part of the upcoming harvest of cotton, everything necessary is being done to prepare combines and machinery, cotton gins and raw material reception points.

Appropriate efforts are being made to obtain a rich crop of agricultural crops, in particular potatoes, in order to maintain food abundance.

At the same time, preparations are underway in the regions for sowing wheat: plowing, leveling, combing, surveying and flushing irrigation are carried out in the fields.

Then the Deputy Prime Minister asked the head of state to set a date for seminars for farmers, specialized specialists, scientists and machine operators, as well as the start of sowing wheat for the 2025 harvest with the participation of venerable elders and to bless the campaign, which will allow it to be carried out according to the established schedule and standards of agricultural technology.

After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed the focus of cardinal reforms in the agro-industrial complex on increasing the production of high-quality agricultural products and ensuring food abundance. In this regard, the Deputy Prime Minister was instructed to continue effective work on the integrated development of the industry.

Addressing the members of the Government, the head of Turkmenistan noted that in the era of the Revival of a new era of a powerful state, appropriate conditions are being created for the productive work of dayhans and obtaining high yields. As it was emphasized, the field workers have a very important responsible season – wheat sowing, which should be carried out in an organized manner, within agrotechnical deadlines.

Summarizing the report, Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov drew attention to the need to ensure a high organizational level of events dedicated to the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth. The President of Turkmenistan also ordered to properly prepare for the presentation of modern computers to 1st grade students on behalf of the Hero Arkadag on the occasion of the beginning of the new academic year.

During the meeting, the floor was given to the Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs R. Meredov.

Anticipating the report, the Deputy Prime Minister, the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Government members, warmly congratulated the head of state on the Day of Knowledge and Student Youth and the beginning of the new 2024-2025 academic year, wishing him good health and great success in his large-scale activities for the benefit of the people and the Fatherland. Sincere gratitude was also expressed to President Serdar Berdimuhamedov for the opportunity provided to the leadership corps to relax in the country's health resorts, in the National Tourist Zone "Avaza" during a working vacation.

Legendary Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo has been honored with the prestigious award as the top scorer in the history of the Champions League. The award ceremony took place in Nyon, Switzerland, during the draw for the main stage of the Champions League season 2024/25.

Ronaldo, who has played for clubs such as “Sporting”, “Manchester United”, “Real” and “Juventus”, has set an impressive record of 140 goals in 183 matches in the tournament. His achievements in the Champions League are truly phenomenal: five-time winner of the tournament, seven-time top scorer of the season, record holder for the most goals in a single season (17 goals in 2013/14) and the only player to have scored in three finals.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has expressed hope that Ronaldo will return to the Champions League despite the fact that the Portuguese has been playing for Saudi club “Al-Nasr” since 2023. Ronaldo himself, recalling his performances in the tournament, described winning the 2008 final in Moscow as the most special at club level.

- Maybe I'll play in the Champions League again one day, who knows”, - the 39 years old striker intrigued fans, leaving open the possibility of his return to the European soccer scene.

Four young representatives of the Curling Federation of Turkmenistan returned from the first international training camp in the history of the national sports movement, held in August in the Norwegian city of Lillehammer. The Turkmen team, consisting of two girls and two boys under the age of 16, under the leadership of the head coach of the national team Sakina Gulamalyeva, took part in the youth camp along with peers from 13 other countries. This is stated in the report of the “Neutral Turkmenistan” newspaper.

The training program included not only intensive training under the guidance of experienced international specialists, but also various gaming and intellectual competitions. Turkmen athletes showed their best side, demonstrating a high level of knowledge and activity. Aysha Geldimyradova especially distinguished herself, receiving a special prize from the organizers for her participation in all initiatives.

The coaches noted the unique technique of the Turkmen athletes, especially highlighting the playing style of Selim Bayramov, who is equally good at pushing off with both feet. Despite their recent introduction to curling, the

Turkmen team showed good results in friendly matches, including defeating the more experienced Mongolia team with a score of 2:1.

These training camps became an important stage in the preparation of the Turkmen team for the upcoming world junior championship, which will be held in the fall in Finland. The Curling Federation of Turkmenistan plans to field a women's team in division “B” for the first time at these competitions.

Six Turkmen wrestlers under 20 years of age will take part in the upcoming World Freestyle Wrestling Championships, which will start on September 2 in the Spanish city of Pontevedra. The national team of Turkmenistan will be represented in six weight categories.

The national team includes Kabe Matjanov (up to 57 kg), Amir Hamayun (up to 61 kg), Kakamurat Ashirov (up to 74 kg), Alp Arslan Begenjov (up to 79 kg), Dovletgeldy Muradov (up to 86 kg) and Soltan Sanjar Begenjov (up to 92 kg).

The competition will also include Greco-Roman and women's wrestling tournaments. A total of 30 sets of awards will be contested at the tournament, and the final fights in the freestyle wrestling championship will be held from September 6 to 8.

The largest chess tournament in the history of the Balkan velayat of Turkmenistan was held in the city of Hazar (Cheleken) from August 23 to 25. The event was organized by Dragon Oil (UAE) with the support of the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan. The open tournament was attended by 32 players, including children, women and chess enthusiasts.

According to the press service of the federation, the winner of the competition was candidate master of sports Shahruh Turayev from Dashoguz, who scored the maximum possible 7 points. Second and third places were taken by schoolchildren Davut Meredov from Ashgabat and Serdar Kabehanov from Mary, who scored 5.5 points each.

After the tournament, Shahruh Turayev, who is the coach of the women's national team, held a simultaneous game with five local participants, winning convincingly with a score of 4.5:0.5.

The tournament's chief arbiter was Gurbangeldy Amangeldyev, director of the first professional chess academy in Turkmenistan, "Kuşt Älemi". During the event, he also held talks with potential local chess coaches.

The organizers plan to make the tournament an annual event, attracting not only local amateurs, but also the best chess players in the country. In addition, the first children's chess club is planned to open in Hazar in the near future with the support of Dragon Oil, the "Kuşt Älemi" academy and the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan.

The Football Federation of Turkmenistan (FFT) announced the start of voting for the best goal of the 20th round of the 2024 Major League. Voting will be held on the Federation's social networks, where fans will be able to choose the most beautiful goal from seven nominees.

The list of contenders for the title of the author of the best goal of the tour included: Abdyresul Abdyev (“Merv”), Musa Nurnazarov (“Shagadam”), Galabeg Jumamyradov (“Kopetdag”), Rovshengeldy Halmammedov (“Altyn Asyr”), Elman Tagayev (“Ahal”), Perman Hallyev (“Merv”) and Ilya Tamurkin (“Arkadag”).

The football player who receives the most votes will be awarded the “Most Beautiful Goal” award of the 20th round of the Turkmenistan Football Championship.

The FFT plans to make such voting regular, holding them after each round of the Major League and matches of the National Cup. This innovation is designed to increase fans' interest in national football and give them the opportunity to actively participate in assessing the players' skills.

Fans will be able to vote for their favorite goal by leaving a comment on the official FFT pages on social networks. This format of interaction with fans should contribute to the growth of the popularity of Turkmen football and the creation of a closer connection between teams.