Ashgabat bids to host the FEI General Assembly and international show jumping competitions

Turkmenistan is embarking on a large-scale integration of its national equestrian sports into the global system under the auspices of the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI). In the organization’s headquarters in Lausanne, Ashgabat’s initiatives were discussed, including the issues of hosting prestigious world forums and show jumping competitions.

During consultations held by the Permanent Representative of Turkmenistan to the UN Office in Geneva, Vepa Hajiyev, with FEI President Ingmar De Vos and Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez, extensive cooperation plans for the coming years were identified.

The intensification of the dialogue is carried out within the framework of the 2026 motto in Turkmenistan, which is held under the sign of "winged horses." In this regard, the Turkmen side officially expressed interest in organizing international show jumping competitions in cooperation with the FEI on the basis of the country's modern equestrian sports complexes.

In addition, Ashgabat is seen as a promising venue for the FEI General Assembly — the main annual equestrian sports event, bringing together representatives from more than 130 countries. The next such forum will be held in December this year in Guangzhou, China, where the delegation of Turkmenistan plans to discuss the plan of future events in detail.

At the meeting in Lausanne, special attention was paid to the development of the Aba Annayev International Academy of Horse Breeding in the city of Arkadag. The discussion focused on attracting FEI-certified instructors and trainers in the discipline of show jumping.

Such cooperation will allow Turkmen riders and specialists to receive education according to the highest world standards, and the Academy itself to become a leading regional center for training personnel for equestrian sports.