Sport in Turkmenistan
This Central Asian country has been around for a long time and is actually part of the legendary Silk Road. Turkmenistan was once part of the Soviet Union, and did not compete in world sport under its own name until the 1990s. Bordered by Afghanistan, Iran, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan is a relatively peaceful country where people can enjoy various types of sports.
Their traditional sports include horse riding and falconry but their most popular sport today is football. Turkmenistan has been a member of FIFA and AFC since 1994 following their independence from the Soviet Union. They have established their local leagues (Ýokary Liga) and championships (Turkmenistan Cup) since 1992. They have also hosted various international football meets like the annual Turkmenistan President's Cup and their football clubs also participate in the Commonwealth of Independent States Cup.
Some of the most notable names in Turkmen football includes Ravshan Muhadov, Kurban Berdyev, Valeri Broshin, Sergey Agashkov, Charyar Mukhadov, Dmitri Khomukha, and Vitaliy Kafanov. When it comes to the international sporting world, Turkmenistan is the only post-Soviet country that has an Olympic stadium without actually hosting, or winning, any Olympic event so far. They are also the only post-Soviet country who has never competed in the Winter Games. This does not mean though that they are giving up on their Olympic dreams. They are continually trying to improve their training programs to improve their chances in the Olympics.
Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Turkmenistan. Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let us know.
Popular sports of Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan Sporting Success
Great athletes from Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan Sports trivia
- The nation’s capital, Ashgabat, comes with an Olympic Stadium even though the venue hasn’t hosted the Olympiad.
Turkmenistan at major events
Past sporting events hosted in Turkmenistan
- 2017 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Ashgabat
- 2018 Weightlifting World Championships in Ashgabat
Upcoming sporting events in Turkmenistan
Annual sporting events held in Turkmenistan
- Ýokary Liga (football)
- Turkmenistan Cup (football)
Sporting Facilities in Turkmenistan
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