Mixed martial arts fighter from Turkmenistan Dowletjan Yagshimuradov defeated Slovenian representative Jacob Nedo on April 13 as part of the PFL 2 tournament in Las Vegas.

The light heavyweight fight ended in the first round with the victory of the Turkmen athlete by technical knockout.

For 34-year-old Dowletjan Yagshimuradov, this victory was the fourth in a row in his professional career and his debut at the PFL tournament.

Turkmenistan's Ambassador to China Parakhat Durdiyev met with Wu Yingqing, Executive Director of the Central Asia-China Secretariat.

During the meeting, the parties discussed upcoming events during the transition period, in particular, participation in the third round of consultations of the Secretariat this month in Xi'an, a meeting of foreign ministers of the participating countries of this structure in the second half of this year.

During the meeting, the Turkmen diplomat also spoke about the main directions of Turkmenistan's strategic partnership with China both on a bilateral basis and within the framework of the Central Asia–China format.

From April 15 to 20, the State Committee of Turkmenistan for Physical Culture and Sports will hold an international ice hockey tournament in Ashgabat. The matches will take place at the small and large arenas of the Winter Sports Complex. The opening ceremony will take place on April 15 at 13:00 local time.

Hockey teams from 10 countries will take part in the competition: Russia, Belarus, Iran, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Bahrain, as well as the team of Turkmenistan.

The tournament will be held in two stages. At the first stage, the teams divided into two groups will play each other in a round-robin system. The winners of groups "A" and "B" will advance to the finals, and the runners-up will compete for 3rd place.

Match schedule for April 15th:

Group A (Large Arena)

10:00 Phoenix (Uzbekistan) – Oman Khanjars (Oman)
14:00 Galkan (Turkmenistan) – Bahrain (Bahrain)
Group "B" (Small Arena)

10:00 Akmola (Kazakhstan) – Gyumyush Skates (Turkey)
14:00 "Dordoi" (Kyrgyzstan) – "Orchis" (Tatarstan, Russia)

On April 9 and 10, the first matches of the 1/4 finals of the UEFA Champions League were held. “Real Madrid” and “Manchester City” scored six goals between them, “Arsenal” held out a draw in Munich, “Barcelona” escaped defeat in the match with PSG, and “Atletico Madrid” defeated “Borussia”. How these meetings went and when the second matches will be played, read in the Turkmenportal material.
Barcelona – PSG – 3:2

The players of the Spanish “Barcelona” beat the French “Paris Saint-Germain” with a score of 3:2 in the first match of the quarterfinals of the Champions League. The meeting was held in Paris.
Rafinha (37th and 62nd minutes) and Andreas Christensen (77) scored goals for “Barcelona”. Ousmane Dembele (48) and Vitinha (51) scored for PSG.

“Atletico Madrid” – “Borussia Dortmund” – 2:1

In another match, the Spanish “Atletico” beat the German “Borussia” at home with a score of 2:1. Rodrigo de Paul (4th minute) and Samuel Lino (32) scored for the winners. Sebastian Allaire (81) scored for the losers. Return meetings will be held on April 16.

“Real Madrid” – “Manchester City” – 3:3

A day earlier, English “Manchester City” and Spanish “Real Madrid” tied with a score of 3:3. Bernardo Silva (2nd minute), Phil Foden (66) and Josko Guardiol (71) scored goals for “Manchester City”. For “Real Madrid”, Rodrigo (14) and Federico Valverde (79) scored. In the 12th minute, “Manchester City” defender Ruben Dias scored the ball into his own goal.

“Arsenal” – “Bayern” – 2:2

In another match, the English “Arsenal” drew at home with the German “Bayern” (2:2). For the hosts, goals were scored by Bukayo Saka (12th minute) and Leandro Trossard (76). Serge Gnabry (18) and Englishman Harry Kane (32) scored for the guests. Return meetings will be held on April 17.

The Champions League final will be held on June 1 at “Wembley” stadium in London. The current winner of the tournament is the English “Manchester City”, which beat the Italian “Inter” (1:0) in the decisive match of the last edition.

Turkmen chess player Jemal Ovezdurdyeva showed an outstanding result at the 17th open international chess tournament “Georgy Agzamov Memorial” in Uzbekistan, taking first place among women in the strongest group “A”, reports the publication “Turkmenistan: Golden Age”.

247 chess players from 18 countries took part in the competition, which was held according to the Swiss system in 10 rounds. 92 athletes competed in the elite group “A”, including 15 men’s international grandmasters, 13 men’s international masters, 2 women’s grandmasters and 4 women’s international masters.

Turkmenistan was represented by international master Saparmurat Atabayev and FIDE master Jemal Ovezdurdyeva. Atabayev scored 6,5 points and took 10th place, while Ovezdurdyeva with a score of 5,5 points became 27th in the overall standings, but won first place among female participants.

During the tournament, Jemal Ovezdurdyeva won victories over famous grandmasters such as Alexey Alexandrov from Belarus, Igor Yagupov from Russia, as well as over the U14 world champion Afruza Hamdanova from Uzbekistan.

Success at the tournament in Tashkent was another achievement in the successful career of the Turkmen chess player, who is a multiple champion of Turkmenistan among women and winner of a number of prestigious international competitions.

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov received Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Shalva Papuashvili, TDH reports.

Welcoming the guest to the ancient and hospitable Turkmen land, the head of Turkmenistan stated that interparliamentary cooperation is currently one of the most important tools for promoting constructive dialogue, maintaining trust and mutual understanding between countries and peoples. In this context, the current visit of the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia will provide a good opportunity to develop closer bilateral cooperation and exchange experience between legislative bodies.

Expressing sincere gratitude for the warm welcome, the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia conveyed to the Head of Turkmenistan cordial greetings and best wishes from the President of Georgia Salome Zurabishvili and Prime Minister Irakli Kokhabidze. The guest also stressed the progressive nature of the bilateral partnership, the dynamics of which, including in the parliamentary dimension, are set by the leaders of both countries.

During the meeting, it was noted with satisfaction that relations between Turkmenistan and Georgia, built on the principles of equality and mutual respect, are traditionally friendly.

In the context of the exchange of views on priority areas of interstate cooperation, the effective nature of cooperation in the trade and economic sphere, including in such sectors as energy, industry, healthcare, etc., was noted. Partnership in the field of transport and logistics was also identified as one of the main directions.

As noted, both countries have sufficient potential to bring Turkmen-Georgian relations to a qualitatively new level that meets the real capabilities and objective needs of the two states.

A separate topic of the conversation was the strengthening of interparliamentary cooperation between the legislative bodies of Turkmenistan and Georgia. At the same time, the importance of active interaction between parliamentarians of the two countries on the formation and strengthening of the international legal framework was emphasized.

Fruitful contacts in the humanitarian field are also an integral part of Turkmen-Georgian relations. At the same time, the emphasis was placed on the availability of wide opportunities for establishing close contacts in the field of science, education, culture and art.

Taking this opportunity, the Head of State invited the head of the Parliament of Georgia to take part in the International Forum of Heads of State and Government dedicated to the 300th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding Turkmen poet and thinker, internationally recognized classic of Oriental literature Makhtumkuli Fragi, which will be held on October 11 in Ashgabat.

Expressing deep gratitude to the head of the Turkmen state for the invitation, the guest stressed that the work of Makhtumkuli Fraga is not only an invaluable national treasure, but also an integral part of the treasury of world culture. It was noted that the celebration of the anniversary date at the international level will be designed to promote wider familiarization of the world community with the creative heritage of Makhtumkuli Fraga and, in general, strengthen fruitful humanitarian dialogue between countries and peoples, which is an important factor in promoting a culture of peace and trust on the planet.

The national Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov sent a congratulatory telegram to the President of the country Serdar Berdimuhamedov on the occasion of the holy Eid al-Fitr.

The message of congratulations published on the website of the State Information Agency of Turkmenistan, in particular, says:

"On behalf of the members of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, I cordially congratulate you on the occasion of the holy Eid al-Adha, which embodies spiritual values and strengthens unity between peoples.

I wish you good health, long life for the sake of the bright future of our Motherland, prosperity of our people and further success in government activities.

Dear President!

Eid al-Adha, symbolizing humanism, prosperity, spiritual principles, spiritual purity, benevolence, friendship and brotherhood, tolerance and unity, is widely celebrated in the era of the Rebirth of a new era of a powerful state under your leadership in the year "The Storehouse of Reason of Makhtumkuli Fraga", demonstrating commitment to the traditions of our ancestors.

In the holy month of Ramadan, on the Night of Omnipotence – Gadyr gijesi, sadaqa-aghzachar were given in the capital and velayats in newly built mosques, tarawa prayers and festive prayers were read, which glorified our values inherited from our ancestors. In a new historical era, dear Arkadagly Hero Serdar, you are worthily continuing the noble tradition of building mosques. In the name of the prosperity of our Motherland, the unity of the people, and the preservation of the memory of our ancestors, prayers were read and best wishes were pronounced.

Dear President!

Under your wise leadership, public policy pays special attention to strengthening moral principles, honoring and preserving cultural and historical heritage. Of great importance in the formation of young people with a broad outlook is a focus on adherence to the precepts of our glorious ancestors, respect for traditions, and the multiplication of national spiritual values.

On these blessed days, sweets and fruits were given as gifts to the pupils of the Döwletliler köşgi Palace and children restoring their health at the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Children's Health and Rehabilitation Center, which is another evidence of the worthy continuation of the best traditions of charity of our people in a new historical era.

Dear President!

Thanks to your principles of good morals and humanism, all conditions have been created today for the spiritual health of our society, for further strengthening the moral purity of the nation, for the worthy continuation of national traditions, including the fulfillment of the sacred duty of pilgrimage to the shrines of the Islamic world and the fulfillment of the commandments of Islam.

Your pilgrimage to the holy places considered sacred in the Islamic world and the opportunities created for the people to perform the Hajj rite are a great example of benevolence and humanism.

Dear President!

The blessed Gadyr gijesi of the month of Oraza and this year is marked in the Fatherland by countless good deeds. On the Night of Omnipotence, Turkmen people pray for peace and unity of the people, for peace on the whole earth, and pray for the dead.

The decree signed by you on the occasion of the holy Gadyr gijesi on the pardon of convicted persons who repented of their crime is a clear confirmation of your principles of mercy and humanism. This is a Turkmen example of education in generations of humanity, justice, compassion, and the ability to forgive the repentant. At the same time, the priorities of state policy remain the spiritual health of society, ensuring its moral perfection, honoring cultural and historical heritage, peacefulness, strengthening friendship, and multiplying traditions passed down from generation to generation. Therefore, Turkmenistan has identified its unwavering commitment to humanistic principles as one of the important conditions of its foreign policy strategy, contributing to the expansion of international cooperation.

Dear President!

Once again, on behalf of the Khalk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan, I cordially congratulate you on the occasion of the holy Eid al-Fitr. May the Almighty accept in the blessed month of Oraza the fasts given by sadaka-agzachar in memory of the deceased and prayers for the well-being of the native people, prosperity and the increase of the authority and glory of the Motherland in the world!

I wish you good health, long life, and further success in large-scale activities in the interests of the state and society, as well as all mankind!"

Turkmen weightlifter Davranbek Hasanbayev won a license for the Olympic Games in Paris. He achieved this success at the World Weightlifting Cup in Phuket (Thailand), where he won a gold medal in the snatch in the weight category up to 102 kg.

In the double event, the Turkmen athlete showed the fifth result - 392 kg. In the snatch exercise, he held a barbell weighing 187 kg over his head and won a small gold medal, and in the clean and jerk, Davranbek showed a result of 205 kg.

“This is an amazing feeling, and not only for me, but for the whole team,” Hasanbayev commented on his success. He also praised the work of his coaches, thanks to whom his personal best improved by 19 kg.

– God willing, now I can win a medal in Paris. If I continue to train as I have for the last two months, I really believe in it,” the athlete concluded.

At a solemn event held on World Health Day at the Martial Arts Sports Complex of the Olympic Town in Ashgabat, the winners of international sports competitions were presented with valuable gifts on behalf of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the national leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov.

Among them are Turkmen parapowerlifters who took part in the World Cup in Dubai, UAE, from February 25 to March 8 this year and showed outstanding achievements.

These are the names of these Paralympic athletes: Mukhamedkhodjaev, Roza Matyakubova, Ishkuvat Chariyev and Bayramgeldy Saparov. They deservedly accepted congratulations and awards, proving that, despite their limited health, they are real fighters!

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov held a meeting of the Cabinet of Ministers on the digital system, at which the reports of the deputy prime ministers were heard and the results of the work done in the first quarter of this year were summed up.

The first speaker was the Chairman of the Mejlis D.Gulmanova, who informed about the activities of the national Parliament in three months to improve the country's legislation.

As reported, 9 Laws of Turkmenistan and 8 resolutions of the Mejlis were adopted during the period under review. Among them are new legislative acts "On the establishment of the jubilee medal "Magtymguly Pyragyny 300 gyllygyna", as well as on energy conservation and energy efficiency, on hydrometeorological activities, and the ratification of the Agreement between the Government of Turkmenistan and the Government of the People's Republic of China on International Road Transport. At the same time, a number of legal documents have been improved. Currently, the working commissions are preparing draft laws aimed at regulating public relations in various fields.

Then Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers H.Geldimyradov reported on macroeconomic indicators for the first quarter of 2024.

The comprehensive measures taken over the past period aimed at maintaining the stable development of all sectors of the economy and regions have contributed to maintaining a stable GDP growth rate.

In general, the volume of products produced is 8.8 percent higher compared to the same period in 2023.

In January-March of this year, the retail turnover increased by 11 percent compared to the same period last year.

As it was reported, the revenue part of the country's State budget for the first quarter was executed at the level of 102.9 percent, and the expenditure part – 97.6 percent.

In comparison with the same period in 2023, wages for large and medium-sized enterprises increased by 10 percent. Salaries, pensions, state benefits and student scholarships have been fully funded.

The volume of capital investments aimed at developing the national economy through all sources of financing is 25.3 percent higher compared to the same period in 2023.

There was also a report on the indicators of the implementation of the Program of the President of Turkmenistan for the socio-economic development of the country for 2022-2028. In particular, it was reported that of the 370 facilities envisaged for construction and reconstruction, 20 have completed construction, 207 are under construction, and preparatory work has begun on the rest.

Then, the Director General of the Agency for Transport and Communications under the Cabinet of Ministers M. reported on the activities of subordinate institutions for three months of this year.Chakyev.

During the reporting period, the growth rate in the performance of works and services reached 118.1 percent for this complex.

This indicator in the field of cargo transportation by road, rail, air, sea and river transport amounted to 105.4 percent, and passenger transportation – 101.7 percent.

The growth rate for the provision of services in January–March for the agency "Türkmendemirýollary" is 104.2 percent, the agency "Türkmenawtoulaglary" is 110.2 percent, the agency "Türkmenhowaýollary" is 164.7 percent, the agency "Türkmendeñizderýaýollary" is 121.4 percent, the agency "Türkmenaragatnaşyk" is 111 percent.

In the continuation of the report, information was provided on the ongoing purposeful work to solve the tasks arising from the "Concept for the development of the digital economy in Turkmenistan for 2019-2025".

It was also reported that construction of industrial and social facilities subordinated to the transport and communication complex is underway in all parts of the country.

After hearing the report, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed that effective activities should be continued to develop passenger and cargo turnover on all types of transport. At the same time, the head of the Agency was instructed to fully utilize the international transport and transit potential.

The Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers also reported on the work done in the subordinate structures for the first quarter of this year.

Then, addressing the participants of the meeting, the head of Turkmenistan noted with satisfaction that the results of the work done in the first quarter of this year demonstrate the successful implementation of the adopted programs. During the reporting period, there was steady GDP growth of 6.3 percent. This figure reached 4.7 percent in the industrial sector, 6.6 percent in the transport and communications sector, 7.6 percent in the service sector, 8.2 percent in trade, and 4.1 percent in agriculture. Wages increased by 10 percent.

Large industrial and social facilities are being built in the country, including new settlements, residential buildings, entertainment and medical centers, schools, kindergartens, etc. At the same time, in accordance with the adopted plans, transformations are being carried out in the scientific and educational sphere, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov stressed, emphasizing the need to continue to take appropriate measures to implement the country's Socio-Economic Development Program for 2022-2028.

During the meeting, the head of Turkmenistan focused on events and celebrations on the occasion of significant dates of the national calendar and the opening of numerous facilities for various purposes scheduled for April 2024, held under the motto "The Storehouse of the mind of Makhtumkuli Fraga". In this context, instructions were given to prepare properly for the upcoming events and ensure that they are held at a high level.

Then President Serdar Berdimuhamedov noted that World Health Day will be widely celebrated in our country on April 7. As it was emphasized, in the modern era in our state, great importance is attached to the development of mass physical education and sports, and great transformations are being successfully carried out in this area.

World Health Day occupies a special place in the national calendar as a significant date embodying the high principles of friendship and peace, sports, the head of Turkmenistan said, cordially congratulating the members of the Cabinet of Ministers and the Turkmen people on this holiday.

The members of the Cabinet of Ministers heartily congratulated President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty on the occasion of World Health Day and addressed wishes of good health, longevity and success in large-scale activities to the head of Turkmenistan and Hero Arkadag.

During the meeting, other important issues of public life were also considered, on which appropriate decisions were made.

Concluding the Cabinet meeting, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov wished the participants good health, family well-being and great success in their work for the prosperity of the sovereign Motherland.

Maksad Meredov from Turkmenistan became the vice-world champion in weightlifting, having won three silver medals at the world championship taking place in Phuket (Thailand), the Turkmenportal correspondent reports.

The 23 years old athlete achieved this success in the weight category up to 81 kg, in which 8 athletes from 8 countries competed for awards.

In the snatch, Maksad lifted 146 kg, and in the clean and jerk – 182 kg, winning small silver medals in these exercises. As a result, in the biathlon with a result of 328 kg, he became second, 13 kg ahead of Canadian weightlifter Samuel Guertin who took third place and losing 38 kg to Korean Ri Chong Song.

On the Thai platform, Maksad Meredov showed the best result of his career in the weight category up to 81 kg, exceeding his two national records in the snatch and clean and jerk by 5 and 4 kg, respectively.

Today, a mass bike ride dedicated to World Health Day took place in the capital with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. In our country, this date, fixed in the national calendar, is celebrated annually widely and with great enthusiasm, which is evidence of the commitment of Turkmen people to the principles of a healthy and active lifestyle.

Full concern for the well-being of the people is a priority of the state policy of independent neutral Turkmenistan. At the same time, special importance is attached to the protection of public health, the stimulation and development of mass physical culture and wellness movement, and the popularization of regular classes in various sports. As a result of the comprehensive strategy initiated by Arkadag Hero and now consistently implemented by Arkadagly Hero Serdar, all conditions have been created in the capital and regions of the country for this.

It is an undeniable fact that health is an enduring value not only for every person, but also for the whole society. Physical education and sports are the way to strengthen health, physical and spiritual self–improvement. The participation of the head of state in such sporting events underlines the importance not only of the event itself, but also of solving all tasks related to improving the quality of life of Turkmen citizens.

In the era of the Rebirth of a new era of a powerful state, Turkmenistan pays unflagging attention to these issues. The Saglyk State Program and other relevant programs and projects are being systematically implemented. The specialized infrastructure is being systematically modernized, both medical and sports facilities that meet high international standards have been erected and are being built.

One of the attractions of Ashgabat is the universal Olympic town. A number of specialized sports complexes are located on its territory, in the arenas of which major international competitions have been held repeatedly and with great success. These include the V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017, the World Weightlifting Championship in 2018, the Kurash World Wrestling Championship and the Central Asian Tennis Team Championship among young athletes in the under–12 age category in 2023.

Excellent opportunities for physical education and sports have been created in the Avaza National Tourist Zone on the ecologically clean Turkmen coast of the Caspian Sea. And of course, there are good prospects for the development of water sports here. In this regard, it should be recalled that in 2014 NTZ Avaza hosted the Windsurfing World Cup, with which Turkmenistan entered the calendar of international sailing tournaments for the first time.

In recent years, winter sports have also received a new impetus in our country's development. So, on April 15-20, Ashgabat will host an International ice hockey tournament. Preparations for it are carried out on the basis of the relevant Decree of the head of state.

In short, today Turkmenistan has significant experience and potential both for training and improving the skills of athletes, as well as for training qualified sports specialists, organizing regional and global competitions. Responding adequately to the care and support of the state, our athletes achieve remarkable results. The country's sports achievements include numerous awards, including a silver medal won in the women's weightlifting competition at the XXXII Summer Olympics held in Tokyo in 2021.

All this contributes to the enhancement of the Fatherland's authority in the international sports arena, the promotion of neutral Turkmenistan's initiatives to realize the potential of sports diplomacy in order to strengthen peace, friendship and mutual understanding between countries and peoples.

...In the morning, participants of a sports action gathered at the monument "Bicycle", located at the intersection of Chandybil Avenue and Bekreve Street, where the bike ride route begins. Among them are Deputy Chairmen of the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of the Mejlis, ministries and sectoral departments, military and law enforcement agencies, the metropolitan administration, public organizations, mass media, rectors of universities. Traditionally, heads and representatives of diplomatic missions and international organizations accredited in our country also take part in the bike marathon on the occasion of World Health Day.

Among those gathered were athletes of the national cycling team of Turkmenistan, students, students of the Training School for Young Olympians and secondary schools, pupils of the Palace "Döwletliler köşgi", representatives of the public.

Everyone cordially welcomes President Serdar Berdimuhamedov.

On the occasion of World Health Day, the country's masters of art perform with an inspired musical and dance composition.

Having launched a mass bike ride, the head of state led a column of its participants. Following the President of Turkmenistan, everyone began a systematic movement along the route that runs along the spacious, bright avenues of white marble Ashgabat.

As you know, a bicycle is the most environmentally friendly form of transport. Thus, by choosing it as a means of transportation, walking and traveling, as well as sports equipment, a person contributes not only to strengthening their health, but also to protecting nature. In this context, it should be emphasized that in Turkmenistan, the implementation of adopted socio-economic and sectoral programs and infrastructure projects is closely linked to the environmental component. Being interconnected with this important factor, regularly held bike rides and other sports events also have an educational function.

By implementing a comprehensive, scientifically based environmental strategy, our country stands for consolidating the efforts of the world community in solving urgent global problems, making a concrete contribution to improving the ecology of the planet. Turkmenistan's initiatives in this direction, in particular, to promote cycling culture, are gaining recognition and support in the international arena. The resolutions adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2018 and 2022 are clear evidence of this.

Turkmenistan's commitment to the Global Methane Commitment and the initiative to open the UN Regional Center for Climate Change Technologies in Central Asia in Ashgabat are also confirmation of Turkmenistan's responsible position in developing solutions to priority environmental issues. The corresponding statement made by President Serdar Berdimuhamedov at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-28), held in Dubai (UAE) in December 2023, was published and distributed in the six official languages of the United Nations as an official document of the 78th session of the UN General Assembly.

Over the centuries, the Turkmen people have formed original traditions of careful and harmonious attitude to nature, striving to turn their beloved land into a blooming garden. As a result of the annual landscaping campaigns in Ashgabat and throughout the country, the areas of green spaces are expanding. Man-made forest zones and parks created have a beneficial effect on the environment and the local microclimate.

On the eve of the National Spring Holiday – the International Novruz Day in Turkmenistan, with the participation of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov, the next stage of the implementation of the landscaping program was launched. The National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov also joined the noble action held on March 16. On this day, thousands of seedlings of deciduous, coniferous, fruit trees and grapes were planted in the country.

... Meanwhile, the column of participants of the bike ride, led by the head of state, continued its movement. The freshness of an early spring morning, the invigorating cool air, the picturesque landscapes of the Kopetdag foothills, and the impressive panorama of Ashgabat inspire and delight the eye.

The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the performances of creative teams and athletes that unfolded along the bike marathon route.

During the cyclocross, the President of Turkmenistan, as always, demonstrated excellent physical and athletic training. Continuing the good family traditions laid down by the Hero Arkadag, an ardent supporter and popularizer of sports, Arkadagly Hero Serdar sets an excellent example to his compatriots, in fact confirming the advantages of an active and healthy lifestyle.

Systematic physical education and sports are an excellent means of recovery, prevention of various diseases, as well as a manifestation of a person's responsible attitude to their health. In this direction, Turkmenistan actively cooperates with the World Health Organization and other specialized UN agencies. By the way, the establishment of the date of World Health Day is directly related to the history of WHO, whose Charter came into force on April 7, 1948. Our country is taking consistent steps to expand international partnership under the auspices of WHO, making a concrete contribution to solving vital global problems.

As for cycling itself, it has long been widespread all over the world and, as you know, has been included in the Olympic Games program since 1896. It should be recalled that the history of this sport in Turkmenistan dates back to the creation of the first cycling society in Ashgabat in 1894. Even then, the society organized bicycle races that aroused great interest, which played a positive role in popularizing this sport. Nowadays, our country has a modern sports infrastructure that allows for world-class competitions. Thus, the complex of the capital's Olympic town includes an indoor cycling track that meets international standards, where the cycling competitions included in the program of the Asian Games 2017 took place.

The number of fans of this sport and bicycle as a means of transportation and leisure among Turkmen citizens is constantly growing. It is encouraging to note that more and more children and young people are involved in these activities. Young cyclists are always actively and enthusiastically involved in sports events. Pupils of the Young Olympians Training School and the "Döwletliler köşgi" Palace, schoolchildren and university students joined the current action.

The benefits of cycling and cycling for humans are obvious. They provide an optimal balance of positive mood and cheerful well-being. After all, a bicycle, in addition to its environmental friendliness, is a truly universal simulator for maintaining good physical shape. Riding it is an effective way to harden and enhance immunity, prevent many diseases, and simultaneously strengthen various muscle groups. This is a great workout for the vestibular apparatus, as well as the respiratory system, as a result of which the body's oxygen saturation improves. In addition, consistent cyclical movements and measured breathing during cycling are a great way to relieve stress.

In general, the endurance of the body increases and, as a result, performance increases, creative thinking is stimulated. Character qualities such as hard work, willpower, and determination are being developed.

Scientific research has also revealed that due to regular physical activity while cycling, sleep quality improves, cognitive functions of the brain increase, and the aging process of the human body slows down.

The advantage of the bike is that it is accessible to people of almost all age categories, reliable and easy to operate. Cycling and cycling are great leisure activities, including family or in the company of friends. This makes it possible for an interesting pastime outdoors at any time of the year. And if the route passes through a picturesque area, then the emotional state of a person improves significantly.

The benefits of a bicycle for children and young people are undeniable. After all, such classes allow you to learn how to coordinate movements, keep your balance. With each trip, the child becomes more agile and confident in his abilities, which has a positive effect on both his athletic skills and character. The bike develops a natural muscular corset well, which strengthens the spine, contributing to the development of proper posture.

Cycling also helps to increase concentration, trains the eye muscles, and serves as an effective prevention of myopia. This is especially true due to the fact that schoolchildren and students spend a lot of time reading books, as well as using computers, which are necessary learning tools in our age of digital technologies. Cycling has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, makes it easier to cope with academic loads. In general, all this has the best effect on the health and intellectual activity of the younger generation.

Nowadays, the bicycle is also widely used as a vehicle for various trips, including to and from work. This is a great "charge" before the start of the working day. In the modern world, cycling is also growing in popularity among adherents of a healthy lifestyle. This type of active recreation provides an opportunity to make exciting trips, enrich yourself with new experiences and broaden your horizons, enjoy the beauties of nature.

...Following the route, the column of cyclists continued along the highways of the capital. Ashgabat, impressive for its monumentality and originality of the architectural ensemble, is rightfully recognized as one of the most beautiful and comfortable cities in the region and the world. It is a matter of sincere pride of our people that a number of the capital's facilities, as well as Ashgabat itself, as the city with the highest concentration of white marble buildings in the world, are included in the famous Guinness Book of Records.

During the bike ride, Head of State Serdar Berdimuhamedov, addressing Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B.Annamammedov, who oversees the capital, instructed to keep under constant control the issues of further landscaping and landscaping of Ashgabat, including the creation of new garden and green areas, maintaining environmental well-being, and comprehensive modernization of urban infrastructure. Speaking about this, the President of Turkmenistan stressed the need to pay special attention to ensuring comfortable social and living conditions for people.

The decoration of the main city of the country is its well-groomed parks and squares, which in springtime "dress up" in a lush blooming outfit. This year, held under the motto "The Storehouse of the Mind of Makhtumkuli Fragi", a new cultural and park complex named after the great Turkmen poet and thinker will be opened in the southern part of the capital. The celebrations on this occasion will be timed to coincide with the 300th anniversary of the birth of the outstanding master of the word, whose creative heritage is an integral part of the treasury of global culture.

...Meanwhile, life was already in full swing in Ashgabat. Since early morning, an atmosphere of high emotional and spiritual uplift prevailed in the capital, giving everyone a feeling of cheerfulness and a surge of energy.

Having overcome a long distance, the bike ride, timed to coincide with World Health Day, finished in the city center, at the intersection of Bitarap Turkmenistan and A.Niyazov Avenues.

Wishing the participants of the sports and recreation event health and success, President Serdar Berdimuhamedov warmly said goodbye to everyone and left the event site.

Thus, the current mass cycling marathon has once again demonstrated the unity and cohesion of the Turkmen people, their commitment to enduring universal values. As a result of the creative policy implemented by the head of Turkmenistan, which has a pronounced social orientation, a healthy lifestyle and sports have become the norm of life for our society, striving for new heights of prosperity and progress.

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Today, on the occasion of World Health Day, bike rides were also organized in the city of Arkadak and in all velayats of the country. It should be noted that the "round tables", scientific and practical conferences, competitions and demonstrations in various sports, propaganda, physical culture and cultural events that brought together students, employees of institutions and enterprises, and athletes, which took place in Turkmenistan these days, are timed to this date. Television and radio broadcasts, thematic publications in the media were also devoted to the wonderful holiday.

By implementing a far-sighted state policy aimed at a prosperous and happy life of the people, Turkmenistan develops fruitful cooperation with foreign countries and international organizations, making a concrete contribution to promoting a culture of health and sports diplomacy, ensuring peace and well-being, and achieving sustainable development in the regional and global dimensions.