To the coaches, players, and fans of the “Arkadag” football team
Dear compatriots!
Respected coaches and players of the “Arkadag” football team!
I sincerely congratulate you on your great sporting achievement — the “Arkadag” football team’s victory in the final match of the Asian Football Confederation Challenge League and becoming champions in the Year of International Peace and Trust.
Over the years of Independence, large-scale reforms have been implemented in our country to develop physical education and sports, promote healthy lifestyles among the population — especially youth — and to raise physically strong and morally mature generations. Modern sports complexes, schools, stadiums, and many sports facilities that meet international standards have been built and commissioned throughout our beloved country. This has laid a solid foundation for widespread participation in sports and for our youth to achieve success in various sporting disciplines.
Numerous major sporting events have been organized in Turkmenistan. These include the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, the “Amul – Hazar” International Rally, the World Weightlifting and Kurash Championships, the Central Asian Team Tennis Championship, and international hockey tournaments. These events have opened new chapters in the history of Turkmen and global sports. Our athletes, devoted to sports, serve as outstanding examples of patriotism, courage, and true mastery — raising the prestige of our Motherland at both regional and international levels.
Dear citizens!
As per the resolution of the UN General Assembly initiated by Independent and Permanently Neutral Turkmenistan, 2025 has been declared the Year of International Peace and Trust. As ambassadors of peace, sports development initiatives are being actively pursued. Our country, as a member of the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia, contributes significantly to promoting the Olympic Movement. Physical education and sports ensure a healthy society and unite people and nations. Where there is sport, there is peace, happiness, prosperity, and progress.
At Turkmenistan’s initiative, the UN General Assembly adopted resolutions declaring June 3 as World Bicycle Day and promoting cycling as sustainable public transport. Turkmenistan was also elected to UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Physical Education and Sport for 2023–2027. In 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on the “UN Games,” initiated by Turkmenistan and unanimously supported by its member states.
According to a decision of the CIS Council of Heads of Government, the city of Ashgabat was declared the “City of New Sports Opportunities of the Commonwealth” in 2024. The Tennis Complex in Ashgabat’s Olympic Village has also been recognized by the Asian Tennis Federation as a “Regional Training Center for Tennis in Asia.” All of this reflects our Homeland’s commitment to promoting peace and friendship globally.
Dear sports fans!
In this year of the 30th anniversary of Turkmenistan’s Permanent Neutrality, our athletes continue to bring pride to the country with remarkable achievements in various sports, further elevating the reputation of our national sports in the era of the Revival of a New Epoch of the Powerful State. In January of the Year of International Peace and Trust, the courageous members of the national equestrian group “Galkynysh” proudly waved the Turkmen flag at the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival in the Principality of Monaco, winning the Golden Prize and special awards. In April 2025, Ashgabat hosted an international wrestling tournament in national and belt wrestling styles, with 13 countries participating. Our athletes won 28 medals, further enhancing the country's international sports image. Recently, the “Arkadag” football team claimed a major victory by winning the AFC Challenge League — a clear testament to the success of our national efforts in advancing professional sports and the Olympic movement on the international stage.
Dear coaches and players of the “Arkadag” football team!
Special attention is given to expanding international cooperation in football development in Turkmenistan. Joint projects are being implemented with FIFA and the AFC. The city of Arkadag, built under the wise leadership of the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Hero Arkadag, includes modern sports infrastructure, such as a multifunctional sports complex and a 10,000-seat stadium.
The creation of the “Arkadag” football team in 2023, initiated by Hero Arkadag, was a major milestone in our country’s sports history. The team's successful performance in the 2023–2024 Turkmenistan Championship, Cup, and Super Cup clearly demonstrated its great potential.
Dear friends!
Today, in the flourishing city of Arkadag, the wise proverb of our ancestors — “Where horses run, there will be celebration” — is being brought to life. During his meeting with the team, Hero Arkadag inspired them with the words: “The victory is yours, the blessing is ours!” This deeply motivated the players, leading to their splendid triumph. Winning the AFC Challenge League Cup, they proudly raised the Turkmen flag high and once again elevated the country’s sporting reputation.
Dear compatriots!
Respected coaches and players of the “Arkadag” football team!
Once again, I sincerely congratulate you on becoming champions in an international tournament for the first time in Turkmen football history. I wish you good health, happiness, and continued great success in further enhancing the international sporting prestige of our sovereign Homeland!
President of Turkmenistan
Serdar BERDIMUHAMEDOW
