Al Ain from the United Arab Emirates won the AFC Champions League final, beating the Japanese club Yokohama F. Marinos with a total score of 6:3 on aggregate.

In the return final match, held in the UAE, Al Ain defeated the opponent with a score of 5:1. Doubles as part of the winners were scored by Sofyan Rahimi (8th and 67th minutes) and Kojo Laba (90 +1 and 90+5), another goal was scored by Alejandro Romero (33). Jan Mateus scored for Yokohama F. Marinos (40th minute). It is worth noting that from the 45th minute the Japanese club played in the minority due to the removal of William Popp.

For Al Ain, which is managed by former Argentine national team player Hernan Crespo, this is the second victory in the AFC Champions League and the first since 2003. Having won the main Asian club trophy, the team from the UAE has guaranteed itself a ticket to the 2025 Club World Cup.

The Turkmen club "Akhal", representing the Main Directorate of "Turkmennebitonumleri", also participated in the current draw of the tournament. The team won the AFC Champions League for the second time in its history, beating Saudi Al-Fahey with a score of 1-0, and also drew 1-1 with the multiple champion of Uzbekistan Pakhtakor. At the end of the group stage, Ahal took 4th place in Group A with 4 points, passing ahead of Al Ain (15 points), Al Fahoo (9) and Pakhtakor (7).

Uzbekistan national team midfielder Abbosbek Fayzullaev, who plays for CSKA Moscow, won the award in the "Opening of the Season" nomination following the results of the Russian Premier League (RPL) championship.

20-year-old Fayzullaev had an excellent debut season for the Army. In 22 matches, he scored 4 goals and made 7 assists.

– Thanks to everyone who voted for me, it is very nice to receive such an award. I want to thank my teammates, coaches, the CSKA leadership, as well as the Army fans for their support. Special thanks to my parents and close friends," Fayzullayev said.

It is worth noting that the Uzbek national team, for which Fayzullayev stands, is Turkmenistan's opponent in the qualifying round of the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup. In the first round, the Uzbeks beat the Turkmen team 3-1 in Ashgabat. The return match is scheduled for June 6.

A number of sports events are organized in Turkmenistan on the occasion of the World Bicycle Day celebrated on June 3, the Turkmenistan newspaper writes: The Golden Age."

As Deputy Prime Minister N.Amannepesov said at a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers, from May 27 to June 3, the Turkmen Track cycling Championship will be held in the Olympic town of Ashgabat. In the period from May 31 to June 3, a 335 km bicycle marathon with the participation of the national team of the country along a special route on the section of the Mary-Tejen-Ashgabat high-speed highway is also scheduled. And on June 3, it is planned to organize a mass bike ride in the capital.

Summarizing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov instructed to properly prepare for the wide and solemn celebration of World Bicycle Day, as well as to hold physical culture and sports events on the occasion of this holiday at the appropriate level in the capital and velayats.

Turkmen Galkan won the international ice hockey tournament, which was held in Ashgabat with the participation of ten teams from Asia and Europe. The hockey club of the same name of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan achieved this success by defeating the Russian team "ADIHIC-Kazan" from the Republic of Tatarstan in the final match today – 4:2 (1:1, 0:1, 3:0).

Both teams passed the group stage of the tournament without defeats, having won the right to challenge the main trophy of the competition in the decisive match.

The final became a real decoration of the tournament with all the unforeseen collisions in sports. 

Both teams started the game at high speeds, creating many dangerous moments at each other's gates. But for a long time it was not possible to open an account because of the excellent play of goalkeepers Rahman Myradov (Galkan) and Airat Valliulin (ADIHIC-Kazan). And yet, at the 9th minute, the spectators, who filled the stands of the 10,000-seat arena to capacity, saw the first puck in the goal. It was thrown by one of our best strikers, Perkhat Atekaev, who turned out to be the most efficient on the heel.

The guests from the world–renowned hockey school in Kazan put a lot of effort into recouping, and 53 seconds before the end of the first period, Adel Avzalov restored the balance - 1:1.

In the second 20 minutes, the Russians took the lead after Nasser Subhi's goal, and on the second break, the opponents left with the score 2:1 in favor of the ADIHIC-Kazan team.

The eight-time champion of Turkmenistan had the last 20 minutes left to turn the tide of the game. And the wards of Andrei Makarov and Meilis Kuliyev coped with this perfectly in the final period. In the 41st minute, Perhat Atekaev ran away from the defenders, went one-on–one with the goalkeeper and leveled the position – 2:2. Two minutes later, Gurbanmyrat Tanniev, falling on his heel, sent the puck into an unprotected corner of the goal and brought Galkan forward - 3:2. And put the winning point on the 51st a minute later, Novruz Baykhanov made a wonderful throw into the "nine".

In the last minutes of the game, in order to get away from defeat, the coaches of the ADIHIC-Kazan team changed the goalkeeper to the sixth fielder. But the Turkmen hockey players withstood the onslaught of the opponent and kept the winning score 4:2.

At the closing ceremony of the competition, the Galkan hockey players were awarded a Cup and gold medals, and the ADIHIC-Kazan (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia) and Volat (Belarus) teams silver and bronze, respectively.

The judges who served the tournament and the best players were also awarded special prizes. They were recognized as: goalkeeper Yaroslav Lagun (Volat), defender Musa Annasaparov (Galkan) and striker Aidar Miftakhov (ADIHIC-Kazan).

The International Ice Hockey tournament was held from April 15 to 20 at two ice arenas of the Winter Sports Complex with the participation of club teams from Bahrain, Belarus, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkey and Turkmenistan.

Dear President of Turkmenistan,

We cordially congratulate you on the successful holding of the international ice hockey tournament in Ashgabat from April 15 to 20, 2024!

We wish you further success in implementing initiatives aimed at strengthening friendly and fraternal relations between peoples and developing international sports cooperation!

Dear President of Turkmenistan,

Turkmenistan has consistently created wide opportunities and all conditions for holding international sports events, and modern specialized facilities are being built that meet international standards. A vivid proof of this is the successful holding of a number of prestigious competitions in the Olympic town of Ashgabat in cooperation with international sports organizations, including the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, the World Championships in weightlifting and kurash, regional sports tournaments, as well as the International Rally "Amul – Khazar 2018".

We are convinced that the organization of an international ice hockey tournament at a high level in a modern winter Sports complex will increase the authority of Turkmenistan on the world stage as a sports power, as well as make a great contribution to the development of hockey.

In this regard, given that Turkmenistan has become the center of major sports competitions, we firmly believe that it is appropriate to declare white marble Ashgabat the international sports capital within the framework of such a prestigious organization as the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Dear President of Turkmenistan,

We express our sincere gratitude for the hospitality and warm welcome provided to us, for organizing high-level competitions held in the spirit of friendship and brotherhood in sunny Turkmenistan thanks to your support. We will never forget your wonderful country and kind-hearted people, who made an indelible impression on us.

Dear President of Turkmenistan,

Thanks to your efforts and support, large-scale work to improve the sports system of your independent, permanently neutral country, strengthen public health, develop the Olympic movement and international sports cooperation, create a modern system of logistics for sports, accumulated best practices in organizing major competitions at a high level, we would like to proudly note, that the holding of the current tournament has become another vivid evidence of the unanimous recognition by the world community of the sports policy implemented in Turkmenistan.

Dear President of Turkmenistan,

We express our great gratitude to you for your assistance in participating in the international ice hockey tournament, creating all conditions for its holding and the hospitality provided.

We wish you good health, longevity, and success in your large-scale activities to strengthen international cooperation!

With deep respect,

participants of the international ice hockey tournament:

the captain of the team of the Galkan hockey club of Turkmenistan A.Gurbanov;
Captain of the team of the Bahrain Ice Hockey Club of the Kingdom of Bahrain S.T.H.Hegazi;
team captain of the Volat hockey club of the Republic of Belarus P.Karakulko;
Captain of the Ice box Iran Mall hockey club team of the Islamic Republic of Iran S.F.Gorab;
captain of the hockey club "Hockey Club Aqmola" team of the Republic of Kazakhstan A.Mambetaliev;
captain of the team of the Dordoi hockey club of the Kyrgyz Republic E.Mirbekov;
Captain of the Oman Nationals Hockey Club team of the Kingdom of Oman A.Al Lawati;
captain of the team of the Feniks hockey club of the Republic of Uzbekistan A.Nasirov;
captain of the team of the hockey club "ADIHIC-Kazan" of the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation A.Miftakhov;
Captain of the team of the hockey club "Team – Türkiye" of the Turkish Republic F.Taigar.

At a meeting of the Government of Turkmenistan, Deputy Prime Minister Nurmukhamet Amannepesov reported on preparations for the celebration of the 79th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. On the occasion of this significant date, valuable gifts will be presented to war veterans on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

As it was emphasized, Victory Day is widely celebrated in Turkmenistan and with special pride.

According to the established tradition, paying tribute to the courage and heroism of the war participants, as well as the labor feat of mothers who worked in the rear, veterans will be presented with gifts from the President of Turkmenistan in a solemn atmosphere.

Summarizing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that all conditions are being created in Turkmenistan for war and labor veterans who have demonstrated heroism and hard work. They serve as a vivid example of patriotism, dedication and courage for young people.

In this regard, the head of state instructed to present valuable gifts to war veterans and working mothers by the 79th anniversary of the Victory, as well as to hold all planned events at a high organizational level.

On April 19, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a regular meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on the digital system, at which a number of priority issues of public life were considered.

The first to speak was given to the Chairman of the Mejlis, D. Gulmanova, who informed about the work on bringing the national legislative framework in line with the realities of the time. Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H.Geldimyradov reported on the practical steps being implemented to improve the network of settlement and payment systems of credit institutions, increase the types of digital banking services. Then Deputy Prime Minister B.Amanov reported on the ongoing work on the modernization of facilities for receiving, storing and shipping liquefied natural gas produced by the State Concern "Turkmengaz". Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers T.Atakhalliyev reported on the state of affairs in the supervised sector, as well as on the progress of seasonal agricultural work in the velayats of the country.

Then Deputy Prime Minister B.Annamammedov reported on the steps being taken to ensure the smooth operation of enterprises subordinated to the State Concern "Turkmenhimiya". Further, Deputy Prime Minister B.Atdaev reported on the improvement of the activities of structural divisions and carpet enterprises of the State Association "Turkmenhaly", on the work on the wide popularization of the art of hand-made carpet making. Then Deputy Prime Minister M.Mammadova reported on the preparations for high-level events in honor of the 33rd anniversary of the independence of the Motherland. Next, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers N.Amannepesov reported on preparations for the celebration of the 79th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, on the occasion of which valuable gifts will be presented to veterans on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

Deputy Prime Minister R. Meredov reported on the results of the working visit of the Foreign Ministry delegation to the Republic of Uzbekistan, which took place on April 15-16. Then the Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers M.Chakiyev reported on the work carried out by the Turkmenaragatnaşyk agency in accordance with the "Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the socio-economic development of the country in 2022-2028" on the development of the transport and communication complex.

Information was also provided on the results of the XXXVIII meeting of the Conference of Heads and Responsible Representatives of Railway Transport Enterprises of the member States of the Organization for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD), held in the Turkmen capital on April 15-19. The meeting also considered a number of other issues of public life, on which appropriate decisions were taken.

The women's national team of Turkmenistan has arrived in Dushanbe, where the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) futsal championship among girls under 18 will be held from April 19 to 28, 2024.

Five national teams from Central Asian countries will take part in the prestigious tournament: Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. The sorting takes place in a circular system, where each team sorts with the remaining participants. The champion will be determined based on the total points scored.

Schedule of matches of the CAFA-2024 championship among women's junior national teams:

April 21, 1st round

• 13:00 Turkmenistan – Kyrgyzstan
• 16:00 Iran-Uzbekistan

April 22, 2nd round

• 15:00 Turkmenistan – Iran
• 18:00 Kyrgyzstan – Tajikistan

April 24, 3rd round

• 15:00 Uzbekistan – Kyrgyzstan
• 18:00 Tajikistan-Turkmenistan

April 26, 4th round

• 15:00 Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan
• 18:00 Iran-Tajikistan

April 28, 5th round

• 15:00 Kyrgyzstan – Iran
• 18:00 Tajikistan-Uzbekistan

In the second leg of the quarterfinal stage of the Europa League, German Bayer drew 1-1 with English West Ham, and advanced to the semifinals of the tournament following the results of two meetings. In the first game, the German champions won 2-1.

In the semi–finals of the Europa League, Bayer will face Roma, which prevailed in the battle with another Italian club, Milan (1-0 and 2-1).

The Leverkusen club extended the unbeaten streak to 44 matches, the team knows no defeats this season – 38 wins and 6 draws in all tournaments.

Bayer surpassed the record of the Italian Juventus for the duration of a series without defeats in various competitions among clubs from the top 5 European leagues in the XXI century. In the 2011/12 season, Juventus did not concede to rivals for 43 meetings.

During the weaving season, Bayer became the German champion for the first time, previously the team had won the silver awards of the national championship five times in its 120-year history. The club will also play in the German Cup final. In case of successful performance in the remaining matches of the season, Bayer can issue a title – win the league, cup and European Cup.

The current winner of the Europa League is the Spanish Sevilla. The final of the current draw will be held on May 22 in Dublin.

The Turkmenistan national futsal team has arrived in Minsk to participate in a friendly tournament dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory over Fascism. The team took up residence at the Ratomka base and held its first training sessions, the Belarusian Association of Mini-Football reports.

On April 20 and 22, the Turkmen national team will play with Belarus, on April 23 – with Minsk, the bronze medalist of the national championship. On April 21, a sparring partner is being sought.

The head coach of the Turkmenistan national team, 47-year-old Yakup Ovezov, counts on 14 players in these matches:

• goalkeepers – Meretgeldy Bayramov (1996, Denizchi), Rakhymberdy Halmamedov (1992, Denizchi),
• field players - Kerven Annarazov (1998, Kopetdag), Shiri Bayramdurdiyev (1990, Denizchi), Gylychmurad Gylychmuradov (1992, Denizchi), Akmurad Durdyev (2002, Denizchi), Hamid Menglibayev (2001, Denizchi), Rakhatmurat Nepesov (1996, Senagatbank), Abdulla Nursakhedov (1998, Denizchi), Daniil Panchenko (1999, Denizchi), Gurbangeldy Sakhedov (1994, Kopetdag), Maksat Soltanov (1993, Denizchi), Alisher Khudaibergenov (1996, Denizchi), Kirill Charyev (1999, Denizchi).

The hockey players of the Turkmen Galkan were the first to reach the finals at the international tournament held in Ashgabat, the main trophy of which is contested by 10 teams from Asia and Europe divided into two groups. The wards of Andrei Makarov and Meilis Kuliyev achieved this success ahead of schedule, defeating the Feniks team from Uzbekistan in the match of the 4th round – 9:1 (3:0, 4:0, 2:1).

From the first seconds of the meeting, the eight-time champion Turkmenistan unleashed a barrage of attacks on the opponent's goal, preventing him from leaving his zone. And only the skill of the goalkeeper of the visiting team during the first six minutes did not allow the hosts of the arena to open an account.

The playing advantage of the Turkmen hockey players was so great that even after removing one of their defenders, it was difficult to understand: who is playing in the minority? Having stayed for 2 minutes with four of them against five opposing players, Galkan organized a quick attack on the left edge, followed by a magnificent pass to Perkhat Atekayev, and he, left alone in front of the goal, opened the score with an accurate throw.

As further events showed, Perkhat Atekayev was especially in high spirits that day. As if in training, he was able to make passes to the goal, and throws from different distances, and one-on-one exits with the goalkeeper. And therefore it seemed quite unsurprising that the first five goals that flew into the Uzbek goal fell to the share of Perkhat Atekayev. This is the second pentatric at the current tournament. The first one was made a day earlier by the striker of the Feniks team Artem Varganov, who also hit the gate of the Bahrain Ice Hockey Club from Bahrain five times.

In addition to P.Atekaev, Erkin Kakabaev scored a double in Galkan (28th and 41st minutes) and Baymyrat Baymyradov (39th) and Mukhammetyar Nuryev (54th) scored once. The Uzbek club was able to "soak" the score only in the last minute of the game thanks to the persistence of Daniel Kogan.

Having won the fourth consecutive victory, Galkan scored 12 points and secured the first place in Group A ahead of schedule.

Galkan's opponent in the final will be determined on April 19 on the final day of the competition in group B, in which the ORCHIS-Kazan team from the Republic of Tatarstan of the Russian Federation won an important victory in the fight for the first place in it, beating the Belarusian Volat" – 6:3 (3:1, 1:2, 2:0). Adel Avzalov scored a hat-trick for the winners (1st, 31st and 42nd minutes) and Aidar Miftakhov (3rd), Nasser Sobhi (13th) and Artur Zaripov (48th) scored once each. Eduard Gryn scored a double for the losers (19th and 29th), Nikita Trubitsin scored another goal (33).

Pupils of the Turkmen table tennis school Ilyas Allanazarov and Vepa Meredov became silver medalists in men's doubles at the international tournament among boys and girls under 15 years old, which was held from April 10 to 17 in Balikesir, Türkiye.

In addition to representatives of Turkmenistan and Türkiye, athletes from Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other countries also took part in the competition.

In the final, Turkmen athletes lost to the current European champions under 15, tennis players from Türkiye Gerkem Ocal and Kenan Eren Kahraman, with a score of 3:2 in a bitter struggle, the press service of the Table Tennis Federation of Turkmenistan reports.

It is worth noting that Ilyas Allanazarov showed himself brilliantly in personal competition, defeating the European champion under 13 and the Turkish champion under 15 Gerkem Ochal with a score of 3:2.

The Turkmen delegation at the tournament was represented by: Chairman of the Table Tennis Federation of Turkmenistan Agamurat Allanazarov, coaches Davud Yakubov and Seyran Volchemis, as well as athletes Ilyas Allanazarov, Vepa Meredov, Gozel Gylyjova, Aynur Berdyeva, Dortguly Allanazarov and Mukam Artykov.

The Chairman of the Federation highly appreciated the work done by Turkmen coaches and players.

– The athletes performed successfully at the competitions and proudly raised the flag of Turkmenistan. It should be noted that thanks to the support of our esteemed National Leader of the nation Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and the President of the country Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the development of table tennis in Turkmenistan continues successfully. The number of coaches has increased, and we have several talented young athletes on whom we can pin our hopes for the future”, - Allanazarov shared.